This is more like it. Hickman really dropped the ball with Ultimate Invasion. Whether that was an editorial mandate to keep it to 8 issues and not go anywhere with it being an ultimate universe set up is a mystery, but here Hickman has a new playground to go off in and it's very enjoyable. While Ultimate Invasion felt like an emotionless funeral with events just happening, Wyn and the other characters in GODS feel like they have good motivation and setup and it sets up a lot more enjoyable stuff in this one issue than the entirety of ultimate invasion. The art here is a lot more kinetic as well since it's more than just a massive toy box fighting every issue. I'm on board, and I can only hope it gets better from here. more

Def agree with everyone on this. Should have been a 6 or 12 issues. With the effect this is supposed to have, everything feels super rushed. All the character stuff was cool, but introducing these versions of characters needs a lot more baking in order for the story to hit. For me, Howard Stark dying really was just like ok that's something that happened rather than feeling an emotional impact for it. And Tony immediately assuming the Iron Lad mantle just feels like cool let's just start it here without any buildup. The world set up is cool, but we literally see no dynamics about it. All of the factions are just names on paper without any real follow up. In HoX/PoX and his follow up X-Men run, Hickman set up the status quo of the mutants vs the rest of the world very clearly. Here it just seems way too contained for what the story is trying to be. On top of this, each issue was $10, and knowing that this was essentially just a tease to Ultimate Universe #1. The collected trade for this will be cheaper by far than each issue and will probably read better too. more

Pretty entertaining, but feels like a filler issue. Nothing happens really that pushes the plot forward. It just sets up a character that MAY be important in the upcoming issues; however, it also sets up that character for doom. Art is great tho

Thought I'd read this as part of the X-Men come back for me and immediately I'm like alright I'm out again. It's crazy how bad marvel fumbled the bag with this era that Hickman set up. I understand that they wanted to stay in the krakoa era longer than intended, but everything Hickman set up feels like it's completely buried or wasn't followed up in a satisfying way since he left. It feels like he gave them notes and the writers just took them way too literally or just used them as a guide instead of the natural story. Moira is out of character; this fall of X doesn't feel deserved even though the krakoa era was extended longer than intended. It just feels SO rushed. It's such a shame because if you re read all the Hickman stuff and some of the Gillen stuff, you can see grand ideas, but it feels like those are being shelved for essentially the extinction storyline again. Before people say ya but they can bring them back and itll be different, EVERYONE knows that. It's just why waste time with the extinction storyline yet AGAIN when we already know the outcome. Remember when Hickman's tagline when he came on was evolution. This book just shows how everything with the X-Men will always come back to them being put down to near extinction. Seeing Krakoa be an actual nation and powerful was the premise that should have been the status quo for at least 10 years; but here we are where the mutants are at their worst yet again. And they'll save themselves yet again, and they'll be brought down yet again. It's just exhausting to me more

Pretty good start, lots of ppl r gonna be mad at the ending, but it’s an ongoing. Give it a chance. And also, the most shocking thing: JRJR’s art in this wasn’t bad. Recent JRJR art has been so bad (I’m a fan of JRJR especially his old art in Spidey and Daredevil, so don’t assume I’m a hater), if you don’t believe me, look at his action comics. But here, it’s actually good. Hopefully he can keep it up more

I'm seeing a lot of reviews bash Taylor for not having an over arching story and just adding filler. It's like people have never read comics before the 2000s. If you read anything from the Silver Age, Bronze Age, or even the early Modern Age, almost every series had filler issues and one off issues. A lot of the time, these issues were among the best since they were easy to read and allowed the reader some room to breathe, as well as allowing new readers to enter a series. Even in the series by popular modern writers (Bendis, Morrison, Hickman) all have one offs and filler. Hickman's Avengers was notorious for this, and people ate it up. People seem to really not like it when Taylor does it because they are mad at him for something else. Rant done; this series is just really fun. Every issue is amazingly drawn, and the interactions between Dick and every character is just fun. Remember when comics could be fun instead of just dark and miserable? Highly recommend this entire run so far by Taylor more

the story's fun, but the art is such an issue here. Sara Pichelli is amazingly talented, her work on Miles Spider-Man is some of the best art in modern comics. She also gets the excuse of losing her main colorist Justin Ponsor, which is a tragedy. However, her art in this issue just looks insanely lazy. The art also feels so rushed, and this is where most people would say that's because of the weekly release schedule. But each issue has had different pencillers mostly. I don't know what else to say. Other than that, the story is pretty good, but I would hesitate to recommend this issue solely because the art is not good at all. more

Reed's one liner made this entire issue worth it, despite it already being good. Probably one of the better Iron Man series we've gotten since Fraction's run

One of the best series out right now

If Wells can keep this kind of story telling when Peter comes back, his run with JRJR should be great. This entire Beyond era has done a lot for me in wanting to read Spider-Man again after Spencer's elongated run. I think I read somewhere that Ben Reilly will have his own series in Hollywood, I'd be fascinated to read that. This is the best treatment he's gotten in his entire character history I'd say more

It's like Civil War, but much better.

Status: currently depressed that Hickman X-Men is almost over.
This is by far the best treatment the X-Men have gotten in years. The Hickman era from HoX/PoX to X of Swords to this has been just amazing story telling on his part. It's such a shame it is coming to an end soon

Shaping up to be one of my favorite King miniseries. The dialogue reads like a noir movie, which is clearly the vibe from the visuals as well from Smallwood. It all really comes together perfectly as a nice set up to the characters of the story as well as setting up its mystery as well. King continues to nail his miniseries.

Wow. This might be Jimenez's best art in my opinion. Every page of this book looks like art that should be hung up in a museum. You can spend hours just pouring over the detail of the art on each page. The story is very good and cool as well, an origin for the Amazons. Honestly, they should just delay the book even more if the art needs time to look like this. One of the best comics of the year, and definitely worth picking up. more

Really liked this issue. After the Cates run, I was worried that whoever was gonna take the reigns wouldn't be able to live up to the hype. Ewing and Ram V really start the series off on a high note. Love the focus on Dylan and how he is different than Eddie. I love the two stories of Eddie and Dylan about them being apart and how it affects each other. It's just a great starting point. My minor complaint about this issue is the art. Yes, yes give me all the hate since I said something bad about Bryan Hitch. I actually like Hitch quite a bit, even though he isn't anywhere close to his peak during Ultimates. His more recent work feels rushed and I find some of the details to be lacking a lot. I also don't think Alex Sinclair is the right colorist for Hitch's pencils. Sinclair is one of the best colorists out there, but his colors really work for pencils that show lots of detail and very clear action. He's trying his best to make up for some of that lost detail here, but it didn't really click for me personally. Like I said, this is a minor complaint, I didn't completely hate the art. There's one splash page that is amazing in this that probably took longer to draw than the rest of the issue. Highly recommend, and will be adding this to my pull list. more

I feel like this series is underrated and not talked about enough. Gillen deserves a lot of credit and praise for what he's doing with this series. He's quietly writing one of the best ongoings at Marvel currently in my opinion. Ribic is as good as ever as well. Consistently great writing, story, art. It's really everything you want in an ongoing.

I think I'm at a point where DC limited series and black label stuff seems to work a lot more for me than their ongoings. The only ongoings I have right now are Superman Son of Kal El and Nightwing, both written by Taylor (hint hint to my likability towards the man's writing). For me, Tom Taylor feels like the best DC writer in ages. He understands nearly every character that he writes, so each of them feels like they say the right things and have their tone right. The story is also a fun elseworlds tale that is taking its time with the worldbuilding. Barely anything happens with plot, but that's ok since this is a #1 and it's setting up its world. The art is also great as well, Yasmine Putri captures the medieval look well. Highly recommend for both experienced readers and new ones as well. Seems like Taylor can do no wrong right now more

It’s a fine issue. I don’t like change in artists in a series, but this was serviceable. What I do have a problem with is I feel like Duggan is trying his damnedest to get that Hickman vibe, and it was semi successful in the first couple issues of the series. But then inferno came out, and we were all reminded how powerful Hickman as not just a writer, but world builder, really is. Once you read that and the this series, it just pales, and that’s really unfortunate. I also don’t know the hook yet for the series, there’s no big over arching plot to hook me in, so far it’s just one off fillers, which is fine, but it does get quite tiresome and boring once you get used to it. I’m hoping Duggan can pick up the pace with the following issues more

this is a fine issue, which means compared to the previous 74 (plus side issues and annuals) from Nick Spencer, it's pretty damn good. It's a great introduction into this era of Spider-Man, bringing back the fun quippy dialogue, the simplicity of villains, and re-introducing Ben Reilly. It brings you up to speed on what Ben has been up to and how Peter is feeling after the Spencer drag that he's just been put through, feels kind of meta to be honest. The story is interesting, and I'm very excited to see what happens after that cliff hanger. The standout here is the art. Patrick Gleason just has that fun vibe that was missing from the majority of Spencer's run. Some of the best issues from Spencer's run were carried by Gleason art, so it's great to see it again here. I don't think he will be able to keep up with the thrice monthly release of this book, but it was a good way to start off this era with a nice art bang. Overall, it's not the greatest Spider-Man book, but after Spencer's run, I'll take what I can get. more

There's definitely character development alongside the political landscape, even if the police acting by the seat of their pants feels a little ham-fisted. But seeing Jon with family and friends on a journey in trying to make the world a better place feels okay, especially with how Lois feels like the most important part instead of Clark. Not to mention the inclusion of Bendix's insane absurd plans is entertaining. Forcibly mutating a girl into a heavyweight will certainly do that to make him villainous.

It wasn't until actually researching his past from Wildstorm and Midnighter that I find why he's an antagonist in this run; he's an ideological foil to Jon in trying to make the world a better place. But Bendix has long given up on just doing his part for the world and wants to be in charge of it. Hence why he built his own country and wants his refugees back, he believes that only he can provide the best life possible after Jon prevented them from being made into an example. Unlike most supervillains, Bendix can handle and manipulate the political landscape, it's superheroes like Jon he can't handle. Also I can't help that there's a joke in Bendix's name somewhere.

As for my chief complaint, it's that none of the DC creatives are working together for some continuity. Apparently this is where Superman vanishes unlike in Action Comics where he leaves to solve a Warworld problem. more

This is good.
Art and Story telling is quite good.
Politics is there but character development happened with it. I liked that Jon sided with refugees. I believe Refugees should be given shelter with all basic needs.
Politics is not upto throat but it is very well written.
Most of time I don't prefer politics and Comics because Politics is an absurd divisive topic which only spark controversies. I don't like controversial topic.
But if it is involved then it should be in a way that it feels like this, good story telling with efforts.

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I personally liked this. yeah there's politics in the story but it serves a purpose because it serves as character growth and plot development. For me its not ham-fisted unlike other cringey Marvel and DC issues.

"Superman was a refugee." This is what people who are rating this series low are missing. Superman doesn't just stand for America. He stands for all people with hope. Hope of living in a country that surrounds them, adopts and accepts them as easily and happily as they did an illegal alien that looks like an unassuming white man. This series is political and I can't pretend that it isn't nor can I pretend that Taylor isn't heavy handed in his messages. They aren't metaphors, they are straight depictions of modern day situations from one side. That won't gel with everyone and I understand that but the messages in these books are so important and I believe that is the reason they are being made. If the world won't listen to the people, maybe they will listen to Superman? more

"Superman is gone"

I could end the review right here because that sentence above sums everything up perfectly.

The Man of Steel has left the Earth. The Man of Tomorrow is gone. In his place, we are left with an entitled brat who thinks he knows best and constantly looks for new ways to show he's the virtuous one.

Great. Awesome.

This time, instead of being a superhero and, I don't know, doing something heroic, he joins a protest (I am not kidding, I wish I was) and pulls the stunt of getting himself arrested like many narcissistic and annoying activists before him. Why? Just, why?

Why heroes can't just be heroic, save people, fight aliens, robots, and evil geniuses? Why do they have to carry some message about whatever is ailing the writer about the real world? Why can't they just entertain and provide a much-needed break from the flesh-eating viruses, freak weather, media constantly gunning for clicks and headlines, greedy and useless politicians, and their supporters ready to tear the other side apart in seconds?

Why? more

Why are people so scared of a little politics in their fiction? Is it maybe because they don't agree with it? I hate the excuse or criticism that politics don't belong in comics. Writers have been putting political messages in comics ever since they were created. I hate the fact that people are getting mad at the Jon refugee moment/quote. It literally what Superman is, an alien who adopts America as his home country (also illegally, must be hard for the naysayers to admit that he has more in common with immigrants than themselves). I love that Taylor is not backing down at all from any of the internet naysayers about his messages. Superman is a symbol and beacon for hope and unity. Taylor is writing this series beautifully, and I hope it keeps the same quality. The art is also spectacular, I love the look of Timms' pencils and the coloring. It gives a very fun look to the book. Can't recommend this enough

EDIT: reading the negative reviews on this critiquing about why can't Superman just smash robots and battle aliens again. So instead of creating a new character and new stories, we should just go backwards and have him fight Braniac and Doomsday again? That's not like the other 1000+ (literally 1000+) issues of Superman that I've read in the past. People complaining about how going on a protest is not heroic. ??? Going on a protest and fighting for what you believe in is the point of this entire series so far. Jon wants to fight for what he believes in, and do so as a normal human being of this planet. It's so inspiring to see a hero act like this in a responsible way more

I have to say as a series that is the true follow up to HOX/POX, it was disappointing. The hype was too high. As a single chapter it suffered from repeating previous beats and trying to lay the ground work for what comes next. Some of its off feel is just pure Hickman typical work but also characters like Moira that finally show up but feel hollow although I'm sure Hickman was going for mysterious. Things weren't supposed to be like this. The last few pages save this one.
That being said, I will take this and enjoy it for what it is and hope things would have worked out better in another universe.
Schiti and Curiel did a great job. Boy I wish Larraz was on this! more

The 5 is for the art. I forced myself to catch-up on this series to get to the end, which was supposed to wrap up the story in a satisfying way. Instead, we get a half assed rushed conclusion that leads to what we already got earlier in the run, which is that Peter and MJ are together forever. Spencer is a good writer, this is shown in his previous Marvel runs. But I think it’s hard to say this was a good spider man run. It started off with such promise, but then began to become dragged along to this anti climactic conclusion where none of the characters have changed really. It’s a pretty unremarkable run from a remarkable writer. Maybe his departure to sub stack had an effect on the quality of this book. I can’t say I’m looking forwards to Beyond, but any change is welcome at this point. Hey, remember the engagement ring that Spencer teased earlier in his run? How convenient that just disappeared more

Hickman X-Men is the best thing to happen to the property in years. In my opinion, Marvel really dropped the ball by not letting Hickman take the X-Line digital. Could have opened up an entirely new era and transformed the landscape. But that's the What If scenario. Here is a book that is essentially the end of the Hickman X Saga. I don't believe what he's saying about the saga being continued by the other X-Writers. His vision definitely feels like it's coming to an end here. A lot of the elements come back into play, especially the Mystique mystery, which I loved. It's also beautifully drawn by Valerio Schiti. God damn it, I'm already getting sad that this era is coming to an end, feels like it's barely been discovered. more

So this is a weird one. A lot happens here but I feel like this is a issue that only massive, massive Spider-Man fans, the kind of people who have read all issues, can totally grasp all the implications here. I like that he didn't pull back on Harry being Kindred, though.

My biggest issue is another one, though. Spencer's run has been very wordy and while some people complained about this, I actually enjoyed that, it was very reminiscent of old comics but in a pretty modern way, it wasn't dated. So when he writes an issue like this, with so many lore and history I feel like he could've used that sort of storytelling to clue in people who haven't read all the issues of Spider-Man starting with Amazing Fantasy #15. It just feels very lazy on his part and this coming right after Sinister Six is a problem. more

This gets an automatic pass for retconning past sins. I enjoy the heavy attention to continuity. Not enough writers write as though they've not even read a Wikipedia article on the character (I'm referring to you Loeb and Bendis). I like Spencer is trying to weave everything together. The problem, and why I just can't rate it any higher, was that even for someone like myself, who has read all of the stories referred to, had to reread this jumble of a story to try to make sense of it. From a story telling perspective, this issue and entire arc has been poor. My enjoyment of explaining away past sins may be clouding some judgment here but that fact that I come out of this comic with enjoyment of any sort means it's a good comic. I read this stuff to enjoy it so the bottom line is fulfilled here. I just would have preferred this information to be spread over the past few issues, not an issue of information dumping that still leaves many questions unanswered. more