Marvel Comics Releases for October 29, 2025

MARVEL COMICS:

All-New Spider-Gwen The Ghost-Spider #3 (Cover A David Marquez), $3.99

All-New Spider-Gwen The Ghost-Spider #3 (Cover B Lucio Parillo Marvel Zombies Variant), $3.99

All-New Spider-Gwen The Ghost-Spider #3 (Cover C Corin Howell Spider-Gwen Variant), $3.99

All-New Spider-Gwen The Ghost-Spider #3 (Cover D NetEase Games Marvel Rivals Variant), $3.99

All-New Spider-Gwen The Ghost-Spider #3 (Cover E Corin Howell Spider-Gwen Full Art Variant), AR

All-New Spider-Gwen The Ghost-Spider #3 (Cover F C.F. Villa), AR

Battleworld #2 (Of 5)(Cover A Leinil Francis Yu, $3.99

Battleworld #2 (Of 5)(Cover B Battleworld #2 Nick Bradshaw 5-Part Connecting Variant B), $3.99

Battleworld #2 (Of 5)(Cover C Battleworld #2 Paco Medina Muppets Variant), $3.99

Battleworld #2 (Of 5)(Cover D Battleworld #2 Greg Land Mystic Variant), $3.99

Battleworld #2 (Of 5)(Cover E Battleworld #2 Greg Land), AR

Black Cat #3 (Of 5)(Cover A Adam Hughes), $3.99

Black Cat #3 (Of 5)(Cover B Gurihiru Stormbreakers New Class Variant), $3.99

Black Cat #3 (Of 5)(Cover C Lucas Werneck), $3.99

Black Cat #3 (Of 5)(Cover D Maria Wolf Marvel Zombies Variant), $3.99

Black Cat #3 (Of 5)(Cover E Hicham Habchi), $3.99

Black Cat #3 (Of 5)(Cover F Mirka Andolfo Tron Ares Variant), $3.99

Black Cat #3 (Of 5)(Cover G NetEase Games Marvel Rivals Variant), $3.99

Black Cat #3 (Of 5)(Cover H Lucas Werneck Full Art Variant), AR

Black Cat #3 (Of 5)(Cover I Dike Ruan), AR

Cloak Or Dagger #1 (Cover A Mike McKone)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Cloak Or Dagger #1 (Cover B Ivan Talavera)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Cloak Or Dagger #1 (Cover C Corin Howell Revelation Variant)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Cloak Or Dagger #1 (Cover D David Nakayama)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Cloak Or Dagger #1 (Cover E Rickie Yagawa Clock And Dagger Variant)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Cloak Or Dagger #1 (Cover F Ivan Talavera Full Art Variant)(Age Of Revelation), AR

Cloak Or Dagger #1 (Cover G Fanyang)(Age Of Revelation), AR

Cloak Or Dagger #1 (Cover H David Nakayama Full Art Variant)(Age Of Revelation), AR

Death Of The Silver Surfer #5 (Cover A Dike Ruan), $3.99

Death Of The Silver Surfer #5 (Cover B Claudio Castellini), $3.99

Death Of The Silver Surfer #5 (Cover C Ron Lim Marvel Zombies Variant), $3.99

Emma Frost The White Queen #5 (Of 5)(Cover A David Nakayama), $3.99

Emma Frost The White Queen #5 (Of 5)(Cover B Joelle Jones Marvel Zombies Variant), $3.99

Expatriate X-Men #1 (Cover A Francesco Mortarino)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Expatriate X-Men #1 (Cover B Rickie Yagawa Mystique Variant)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Expatriate X-Men #1 (Cover C Joshua Cassara Revelation Variant)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Expatriate X-Men #1 (Cover D Leinil Francis Yu)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Expatriate X-Men #1 (Cover E Ema Lupacchino)(Age Of Revelation), AR

Godzilla Vs. Fantastic Four #1 (Halloween Trick-Or-Read 2025 Edition), AR

Imperial #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Marco Checchetto), $6.99

Imperial #4 (Of 4)(Cover B Jeehyung Lee), $6.99

Imperial #4 (Of 4)(Cover C Javier Garron 4-Part Connecting Variant), $6.99

Imperial #4 (Of 4)(Cover D Skottie Young), $6.99

Imperial #4 (Of 4)(Cover E Simone Di Meo Stormbreakers New Class Variant), $6.99

Imperial #4 (Of 4)(Cover F NetEase Games Marvel Rivals Variant), $6.99

Imperial #4 (Of 4)(Cover G Jeehyung Lee Full Art Variant), AR

Imperial #4 (Of 4)(Cover H Logan Lubera), AR

Marvel And Disney What If...? TP, $24.99

Marvel Previews Volume 6 #50 (November 2025), AR

Marvel Rivals King In Black #1 (Cover A Federico Vicentini), $5.99

Marvel Tales by J. Michael Straczynski TP, $24.99

Marvel Zombies Red Band #1 (2nd Printing Cover A Greg Land)(Polybagged), $4.99

Marvel Zombies Red Band #1 (2nd Printing Cover B Ryan Brown Full Art Variant)(Polybagged), AR

Marvel/DC Deadpool/Batman #1 (2nd Printing Cover A Ryan Stegman), $6.99

Marvel/DC Deadpool/Batman #1 (2nd Printing Cover B Mark Bagley Full Art Variant), AR

Marvel/DC Deadpool/Batman #1 (2nd Printing Cover C Frank Miller Full Art Variant), AR

Power Man Timeless TP, $17.99

Runaways #5 (Of 5)(Cover A Stephanie Hans)(One World Under Doom), $3.99

She-Hulk By Rainbow Rowell Omnibus HC (Cover A Jen Bartel Book Market Variant), $100.00

She-Hulk By Rainbow Rowell Omnibus HC (Cover B Peach Momoko Direct Market Variant), $100.00

Spidey And His Amazing Friends #1 (Halloween Trick-Or-Read 2025 Edition), AR

Star Wars Boba Fett Black White And Red #2 (Of 4)(Cover A Derrick Chew), $5.99

Star Wars Boba Fett Black White And Red #2 (Of 4)(Cover B Skan), $5.99

Star Wars Boba Fett Black White And Red #2 (Of 4)(Cover C Miguel Mercado), $5.99

Star Wars Boba Fett Black White And Red #2 (Of 4)(Cover D Kyle Hotz), AR

Star Wars Doctor Aphra Chaos Agent #5 (Cover A EJIKURE), $3.99

Star Wars Doctor Aphra Chaos Agent #5 (Cover B Rod Reis), $3.99

Thor #3 (Cover A Alex Ross), $4.99

Thor #3 (Cover B Pasqual Ferry), $4.99

Thor #3 (Cover C Juan Ferreyra Marvel Zombies Variant), $4.99

Thor #3 (Cover D Phil Noto), $4.99

Thor #3 (Cover E Juan Frigeri Stormbreakers New Class Variant), $4.99

Thor #3 (Cover F NetEase Games Marvel Rivals Variant), $4.99

Thor #3 (Cover G Dan Panosian), AR

Undeadpool #1 (Cover A E.M. Gist)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Undeadpool #1 (Cover B Rickie Yagawa Deadpool Variant)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Undeadpool #1 (Cover C Mike Mckone Revelation Variant)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Undeadpool #1 (Cover D Andrea Sorrentino)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

Undeadpool #1 (Cover E Declan Shalvey)(Age Of Revelation), AR

Venom Black White And Blood #3 (Of 4)(Cover A Kevin Eastman), $5.99

Venom Black White And Blood #3 (Of 4)(Cover B Takashi Okazaki), $5.99

Venom Black White And Blood #3 (Of 4)(Cover C Nick Bradshaw), AR

Venom Epic Collection Volume 6 Planet Of The Symbiotes TP, $54.99

Venom Lethal Protector #1 (Halloween Trick-Or-Read 2025 Edition), AR

Wolverine By Saladin Ahmed Volume 2 Call Of The Adamantine TP, $24.99

X-Men '97 #1 (Halloween Trick-Or-Read 2025 Edition), AR

X-Vengers #1 (Cover A Mike McKone)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

X-Vengers #1 (Cover B Pablo Villalobos)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

X-Vengers #1 (Cover C Scott Hepburn Revelation Variant)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

X-Vengers #1 (Cover D C.F. Villa)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

X-Vengers #1 (Cover E Chris Campana Vision Variant)(Age Of Revelation), $3.99

X-Vengers #1 (Cover F Pablo Villalobos Full Art Variant)(Age Of Revelation), AR

X-Vengers #1 (Cover G Greg Land)(Age Of Revelation), AR

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #1 (Halloween Trick-Or-Read 2025 Edition), AR

-----------------

#IReadsYou Review: THE MADNESS #5

THE MADNESS #5 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Francesco Francavilla; Chris Ferguson

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

The Madness is a six-issue miniseries from AWA Studios.  It is written by J. Michael Straczynski; drawn by ACO (pencils) and David Lorenzo (inks); colored by Marcelo Maiolo; and lettered by Sal Cipriano.  The series follows a woman who uses her super-powers as a thief and her quest for revenge against a group of superheroes.

The Madness introduces Sarah Ross a.k.a. “The Raven.”  She has super-powers:  flight, super speed, super strength, and invulnerability, but she can only use one at a time.  Sarah has been using her powers as a thief, stealing from the rich and giving it to herself.  She plans one more big score so that she can retire to a life of luxury.  However, she steals from the “wrong person” and that leads to brutal consequences that will drive her to revenge... and to ultimate madness.

The Madness #5 opens as Sarah and The Raven have a conversation.  Are they one and the same, or are they merely part of each other.

Meanwhile, there are origin stories that tie into The Raven's revenge.  First, how does one Djinn replace the next?  This tale will make it crystal clear, with some information about the Djinn's animal companion, the dragon Ignatius.  Plus, what is the story of Shade?  Does even she know it?

Plus, Prince Nesallah and Tafiq Badat, the Arab royalty that demanded The Raven's death, know she is coming for them, and they are prepared.  Or so they believe...

THE LOWDOWN:  AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications.  The Madness # is one of the recent acquisitions.

With this fifth issue, writer J. Michael Straczynski offers another chapter that is as intense as the others before it.  The Madness mixes the madness of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen with the exhilaration of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority.  Like Watchmen, Straczynski uses each issue to delve into the side stories that portend and enrich the larger story.

Artist ACO offers daring storytelling, but this time, he focuses on straight ahead action.  He fills The Madness #5 with wide open storytelling similar to the widescreen thrills of The Authority.  Marcelo Maiolo's colors are like cinematography that makes the action soar when it needs to and explode on the page, otherwise.  This penultimate issue demands that I return for the ultimate, but, dear readers, it demands that you start reading.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for excellence in superhero comic books will want to try The Madness.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

"THE MADNESS" trade paperback collection is available at AMAZON.

THE MADNESS PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/the-madness/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/ 

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: THE MADNESS #4

THE MADNESS #4 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Butch Guice with Lee Loughridge; Daniel Otrakji

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

The Madness is a six-issue miniseries from AWA Studios.  It is written by J. Michael Straczynski; drawn by ACO (pencils) and David Lorenzo (inks); colored by Marcelo Maiolo; and lettered by Sal Cipriano.  The series follows a woman who uses her super-powers as a thief and her quest for revenge against a group of superheroes.

The Madness introduces Sarah Ross a.k.a. “The Raven.”  She has super-powers:  flight, super speed, super strength, and invulnerability, but she can only use one at a time.  Sarah has been using her powers as a thief, stealing from the rich and giving it to herself.  She plans one more big score so that she can retire to a life of luxury.  However, she steals from the “wrong person” and that leads to brutal consequences that will drive her to revenge... and to ultimate madness.

The Madness #4 opens as The Raven recounts how she became involved with her man, the widower Richard “Rick” Chambers, and how she began to build a family with him and his two young sons, Chuck and Devon.  Now, she has to continue her revenge tour because Rick and the boys where reduced to “ash and little bits of dry, bleached bone.”

She is tracking down members of “the Council of Justice,” the team of government-sanctioned superheroes who killed her family and left her in a shattered mental state.  The latest are Astraea and Miss Victory, but only one played a part in the decision to bring death and destruction to The Raven's life.  And the other one wants to convince Raven to make a better decision that one she wants to make.  Will The Raven relent or will she fight to the death?

THE LOWDOWN:  AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications.  The Madness #4 is a recent acquisition.

With this fourth issue, writer J. Michael Straczynski offers a chapter that is as intense as ever, but also more intimate.  I'm surprised that this offbeat chapter maintains the series drumbeat of war and revenge without missing... a beat.  Yes, I continue to think that The Madness mixes the madness of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen with the exhilaration of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority.  Still, I felt a sense sadness that kept intruding on my need for kick-ass and blood lust.  There are not only consequences in the actions in which the characters take, but this is also pain.

Artist ACO may be offering his most daring storytelling and his most advanced work.  ACO creates a melancholy and tragic tone for this chapter that gives this overall narrative a sense of humanity and vulnerability that will give the violence to come some weight and depth.  ACO turns this narrative just when I think I'm following a bullet straight to violence, so I'm often getting more than I expect.

In The Madness #4, AWA Studios does what it has been doing for some time – offer the kind of single issue that can help save the Direct Market.  You just have to make the effort to find this kind of comic book, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for excellence in superhero comic books will want to try The Madness.

A+

10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douressaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

"THE MADNESS" trade paperback collection is available at AMAZON.

THE MADNESS PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/the-madness/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/ 

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 21, 2025

MARVEL COMICS

FEB258666 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1 2ND PTG 25 COPY INCV RYAN STEGMAN VIR $5.99

FEB258665 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1 2ND PTG PEPE LARRAZ VAR $5.99

MAR250365 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #4 $4.99

MAR250369 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #4 ALEX ROSS TIMELESS VIR VAR $4.99

MAR250366 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #4 MARK CHIARELLO VAR $4.99

MAR250368 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #4 PEPE LARRAZ IMPOSSIBLE MAN POP-UP VAR $4.99

FEB250931 CAPTAIN AMERICA BY STRACZYNSKI TP VOL 03 BROXTON RISING $15.99

MAR250532 DAREDEVIL UNLEASH HELL RED BAND #5 (OF 5) (POLYBAG) $4.99

MAR250533 DAREDEVIL UNLEASH HELL RED BAND #5 (OF 5) TAN VAR (POLYBAG) $4.99

FEB250937 DEADPOOL BY CODY ZIGLAR TP VOL 02 THE DEATH OF WADE WILSON $15.99

MAR250308 DOOM ACADEMY #4 (OF 5) $3.99

MAR250311 DOOM ACADEMY #4 (OF 5) RON LIM VAR $3.99

MAR250309 DOOM ACADEMY #4 (OF 5) WOO-CHUL LEE TOTH VAR $3.99

MAR250312 DOOM ACADEMY #4 (OF 5) YANICK PAQUETTE VAR $3.99

MAR250448 EXCEPTIONAL X-MEN #9 $3.99

MAR250449 EXCEPTIONAL X-MEN #9 FEDERICO VICENTINI VAR $3.99

MAR250330 FANTASTIC FOUR #32 $3.99

MAR250335 FANTASTIC FOUR #32 ALEX ROSS TIMELESS VIR VAR $3.99

MAR250333 FANTASTIC FOUR #32 EMILIO URBANO WHAT IF FF HOMAGE VAR $3.99

MAR250331 FANTASTIC FOUR #32 JOSHUA CASSARA IMPOSSIBLE MAN POP-UP VAR $3.99

MAR250332 FANTASTIC FOUR #32 SEAN GALLOWAY SATURDAY MORNING VAR $3.99

MAR250524 FANTASTIC FOUR #48 FACSIMILE ED $4.99

MAR250469 HULK & DOCTOR STRANGE #1 $4.99

MAR250470 HULK & DOCTOR STRANGE #1 GERMAN PERALTA VAR $4.99

MAR250472 HULK & DOCTOR STRANGE #1 NATACHA BUSTOS VAR $4.99

MAR250582 INCREDIBLE HULK #25 ALEX ROSS TIMELESS VIR VAR $4.99

MAR250579 INCREDIBLE HULK #25 CHRIS GIARRUSSO VAR $4.99

MAR250581 INCREDIBLE HULK #25 NIC KLEIN IMPOSSIBLE MAN POP-UP VAR $4.99

MAR250578 INCREDIBLE HULK #25 WRAPAROUND CVR $4.99

MAR250557 IRON MAN #8 $3.99

MAR250561 IRON MAN #8 ADAM POLINA VAR $3.99

MAR250559 IRON MAN #8 ALEX ROSS TIMELESS VIR VAR $3.99

MAR250558 IRON MAN #8 RON LIM IMPOSSIBLE VAR $3.99

MAR250517 MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #33 TAURIN CLARKE VAR $3.99

MAR250546 MOON KNIGHT FIST OF KHONSHU #8 $3.99

MAR250547 MOON KNIGHT FIST OF KHONSHU #8 ALEX ROSS TIMELESS VIR VAR $3.99

MAR250549 MOON KNIGHT FIST OF KHONSHU #8 SERGIO DAVILA VAR $3.99

OCT240777 SILVER SURFER RETURN TO THE SPACEWAYS OMNIBUS HC LEE DM VAR $150.00

OCT240776 SILVER SURFER RETURN TO THE SPACEWAYS OMNIBUS HC LIM CVR $150.00

MAR250371 SPIDER-MAN & WOLVERINE #1 $4.99

MAR250373 SPIDER-MAN & WOLVERINE #1 CLAYTON CRAIN VAR $4.99

MAR250377 SPIDER-MAN & WOLVERINE #1 DIKE RUAN FOIL VAR (NET) $PI

MAR250375 SPIDER-MAN & WOLVERINE #1 MARK BAGLEY VAR $4.99

FEB250938 SPIRITS OF VENGEANCE TP $19.99

MAR250594 STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC FEAR OF THE JEDI #4 (OF 5) $3.99

MAR250595 STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC FEAR OF THE JEDI #4 (OF 5) 10TH ANN $3.99

MAR250596 STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC FEAR OF THE JEDI #4 (OF 5) HARVEY VA $3.99

MAR250587 STAR WARS LEGACY OF VADER #4 $3.99

MAR250588 STAR WARS LEGACY OF VADER #4 FORCE AWAKENS 10TH ANN VAR $3.99

MAR250590 STAR WARS LEGACY OF VADER #4 MARC ASPINALL VAR $3.99

MAR250343 SUPERIOR AVENGERS #2 (OF 6) $3.99

MAR250345 SUPERIOR AVENGERS #2 (OF 6) ALEX ROSS TIMELESS VIR VAR $3.99

MAR250344 SUPERIOR AVENGERS #2 (OF 6) IBAN COELLO VAR $3.99

MAR250347 SUPERIOR AVENGERS #2 (OF 6) KYLE HOTZ VAR $3.99

JAN250751 THE THING #1 (OF 5) $4.99

JAN250755 THE THING #1 (OF 5) BEN SU WINDOWSHADES VAR $4.99

JAN250752 THE THING #1 (OF 5) GREG LAND VAR $4.99

MAR250328 THUNDERBOLTS DOOMSTRIKE #5 (OF 5) $3.99

MAR250329 THUNDERBOLTS DOOMSTRIKE #5 (OF 5) IVAN TALAVERA VAR $3.99

MAR250500 ULTIMATES #12 $4.99

MAR250501 ULTIMATES #12 INHYUK LEE ULTIMATE SPECIAL VAR $4.99

MAR250503 ULTIMATES #12 SANFORD GREENE VAR $4.99

FEB250946 ULTIMATES EPIC COLLECT TP VOL 01 SUPER-HUMAN $44.99

FEB250941 VENOM WAR ZOMBIOTES VENOMOUS TP $24.99

MAR250378 VISION & SCARLET WITCH #1 (OF 5) $4.99

MAR250383 VISION & SCARLET WITCH #1 (OF 5) ALEX ROSS TIMELESS VIR VAR $4.99

MAR250379 VISION & SCARLET WITCH #1 (OF 5) FOIL HOMAGE VAR (NET) $PI

MAR250380 VISION & SCARLET WITCH #1 (OF 5) STEPHANIE HANS VAR $4.99

MAR250459 WEAPON X-MEN #4 (OF 5) $3.99

MAR250460 WEAPON X-MEN #4 (OF 5) STEVE SKROCE VAR $3.99

MAR250535 WEST COAST AVENGERS #7 JTC NEGATIVE SPACE VIR VAR $3.99

--------------------

#IReadsYou Review: THE MADNESS #3

THE MADNESS #3 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mike Deodato with Lee Loughridge; Chris Ferguson

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

The Madness is a six-issue miniseries from AWA Studios.  It is written by J. Michael Straczynski; drawn by ACO (pencils) and David Lorenzo (inks); colored by Marcelo Maiolo; and lettered by Sal Cipriano.  The series follows a woman who uses her super-powers as a thief and her quest for revenge against a group of superheroes.

The Madness introduces Sarah Ross a.k.a. “The Raven.”  She has super-powers:  flight, super speed, super strength, and invulnerability, but she can only use one at a time.  Sarah has been using her powers as a thief, stealing from the rich and giving it to herself.  She plans one more big score so that she can retire to a life of luxury.  However, she steals from the “wrong person” and that leads to brutal consequences that will drive her to revenge... and to ultimate madness.

The Madness #3 opens as The Raven continues her revenge tour.  She has tracked down “the Council of Justice,” the team of government-sanctioned superheroes who killed her family and left her in a shattered mental state.  They are, however, now aware that she is coming for them.  So will that save Agent X-9 from a brutal interrogation?  Or will he give up the secrets to a woman beset by madness?

THE LOWDOWN:  AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications.  The Madness #3 is a recent acquisition.

Writer J. Michael Straczynski continues to blow my mind with his most excellent scripts for The Madness.  He mixes the madness of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen with the exhilaration of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's The Authority.  Still, comic book reviewers often focus a bit too much on the work of the writers, as good as the writer is in this case.

The mad genius of the art and graphical storytelling for this series is artist and co-creator, ACO, and he drives The Madness to the edge of madness again and again.  His art recalls the work of both the late Neal Adam in terms of page design and the aforementioned Bryan Hitch in terms of composition.  How does ACO convey the madness and thirst for revenge that possesses Sarah Ross?  ACO sends the art and storytelling right at us.  It is as if ACO keeps grabbing us by the back of the head and slamming our face into the story.  He insists that we WILL know The Raven's madness and the violence, chaos, and fear she creates.  It's the perfect design of action for a comic book revenge thriller.

So here is a superhero comic book that delivers greatness without requiring you, dear readers, to buy 30 other comic books that are part of some kind of bizarre crossover event.  Come and get The Madness, now... or later with the trade paperback.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for excellence in superhero comic books will want to try The Madness.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

"THE MADNESS" trade paperback collection is available at AMAZON.

THE MADNESS PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/the-madness/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/ 

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

I Reads You Juniors: February 2025 - UPDATE #44

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

TREATS - From AnotherCookie:  There is a new online cookie retailer. It is called "AnotherCookie?" and the cookies are delicious.

NEWS:

DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:  Bankrupt-ass Diamond Comic Distributors has sent invoices to comics shops it claims owes it money - about 22 million dollar specifically, with about 5 million of that irrevocably lost.

DC STUDIOS - From Variety:  The website offers this article that includes a lot of DC Studios news, including two "Batman" films, a possible "Teen Titans" film, and a second season of "The Penguin." There is also news about several new animated series based on DC Comics' properties.

FANTAGRAPHICS - From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books has pulled out of Free Comic Book Day 2025, including pulling their "Lost Marvels" FCBD title. This story will be updated as information is available.

MARVEL/DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  There is big news out of "ComicsPRO," the comic book retailer summit held in Glendale, California.  DC Comics Editor-In-Chief Marie Javins and Marvel Comics Editor-In-Chief CB Cebulski followed the Keynote speech to take to the floor and announce a new crossover between the two comic book publishers. Two one-shots, "Marvel/DC" produced by Marvel Comics and "DC/Marvel" produced by DC Comics, will be published later this year (2025).

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  The "Constantine" sequel just won't go away.  The film's star, Keanu Reeves says that he and the film's director, Francis Lawrence, have put together a story and recently pitched it to DC Studios.

From DCBlog:  It's the 20th anniversary of the 2005 film, Constantine, starring Keanu Reeves and featuring the DC Comics' character, John Constantine.  With the release of a new 4K Blu-ray edition of the film, director Francis Lawrence looks back at his directorial debut.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Matt Fraction and artist Jorge Jimenez will launch a new #Batman #1" September 2025.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Midtown Comics' will revive its UCS Comics Distributors to help small publishers left without distribution because of Diamond Comic Distributors' bankruptcy. Previously, UCS distributed new issues of DC Comics to comic book stores for a short time back in 2020.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer G. Willow Wilson talks about the new "Poison Ivy" ongoing comic book that she is producing with artist Marcio Takara.

DISNEY - From BleedingCool:  In case you might sue the Walt Disney Company in the future, you might have to write them a letter now informing them that you are opting out of "arbitration agreements" and "class action waivers."

MANGA - From Variety:  In 2025, written media has become the most pirated data on the Internet, surpassing films and TV.  This is thanks in large part to piracy of manga.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics has shut down as a result of the bankruptcy of Diamond Comic Distributors.

LGBTQ - From BleedingCool:  The comic book writer and co-creator of such characters as "Black Lightning," "Misty Knight," "Black Goliath," and "Tigra," Tony Isabella, has come out as transgender at the age of 73.  Her name is now "Jenny Blake Isabella."

MARVEL STUDIOS - From ComicBook:  In March 2024, Disney fired Beau DeMayo the showrunner of the Disney+ animated series, "X-Men '97."  Now, DeMayo is addressing the firing and the incidents around it in a video posted on YouTube.

From YouTube:  The video in which Beau DeMayo speaks about his firing from "X-Men '97" by Disney/Marvel Studios.

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MARVEL - From THR:  Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld has once again declared that he is done with Marvel after he detailed perceived slights surrounding the premiere of the 2024 hit film, "Deadpool & Wolverine," and its afterparty.

From BleedingCool:  The site provides an overview of Rob Liefeld's disputes with Marvel, including the most recent one.

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COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Massive Publishing has signed with Lunar Distribution in the wake of Diamond Comic Distributors bankruptcy.  Massive has also created a new entity, "Massive Indies," as a new sub-distribution initiative to help independent publishers and self-comics publishers get distributed through Lunar. Massive has also released their terms of use for this initiative.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Joe Quesada and his new publisher, Amazing Comics, are at the "Angoulême International Comics Festival" in France this week.  The company, which involves a partnership with Mad Cave Studios and French publisher, Dupuis, and have been announcing new projects in their bid to redefine graphic novels globally. The announcements include new comic books by Garth Ennis, Steven Paul Judd, Derek Kolstad, Christopher Priest, Esad Ribic, J. Michael Strączyński, Ethan Sacks, Ryan Stegman, Charles Dorfman, and Ronan Toulhoat.

NEIL GAIMAN - From BleedingCool:  The fast-moving, ongoing demolition of Neil Gaiman's prestigious career as a world-famous author continues with the announcement that Marvel Comics has no plans to publish "Miracleman: The Dark Age," the final work in Gaiman and Mark Buckingham's "Miracleman trilogy."

From Variety:  In an exclusive story, "Variety" is reporting that Netflix has cancelled "The Sandman" series after Season 2.  Apparently, Netflix was considering dumping the show before the current Neil Gaiman controversies.

From ComicsBeat:  Apparently, Neil Gaiman is being locked out of the Kickstarter-funded comic book adaptation of "Good Omens," the 1990 novel he co-wrote with the late Terry Pratchett.

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DECEMBER 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  BlackBox Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dren Productions for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics Todd McFarlane titles for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Magma Comix for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Massive for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Penthouse Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics "Conan" titles for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for December 2024

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for December 2024

JANUARY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  1First Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  DSTLRY Media for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon Universe" titles for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Comics" titles for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Massive for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Rising Empire Studios for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Udon Studios for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for January 2025

From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Comics for January 2025

FEBRUARY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  CEX for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Absolute" titles for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Media for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics' Energon Universe titles for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Magma Comix for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2025 - full list

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Star Wars" Black History Month variants for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel "Ultimate Comics" for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2025 - Part 1

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2025 - Part 2

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for February 2025

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for February 2025

MARCH 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Abrams Comicarts for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion Productions for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Drawn & Quarterly for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  DSTLRY Media for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Energon" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Ghost Machine" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Spawn" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Amazing Spider-Man" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "One World Under Doom" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Ultimate Comics" titles for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Massive/WhatNot for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Shift Presents for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Webtoon Unscrolled for March 2025

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for March 2025

APRIL 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Cosmic Lion for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Summer of Superman" titles for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  DSTLRY Media for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "One World Under Doom" titles for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate: titles for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2025

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2025

MAY 2025 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics "Absolute DC" titles for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Free Comic Book Day 2025 titles for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "One World Under Doom" titles for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Ultimate Comics" titles for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics "Conan" and "Solomon Kane" titles for May 2025

From BleedingCool:  Valiant-Alien Books for May 2025

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Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 6, 2024

MARVEL COMICS

JUL240648 ALIENS VS AVENGERS #2 (OF 4) $7.99

JUL240649 ALIENS VS AVENGERS #2 (OF 4) ANDREA SORRENTINO VAR $7.99

JUL240651 ALIENS VS AVENGERS #2 (OF 4) MATEUS MANHANINI VAR $7.99

JUL240894 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BLOOD HUNT TP $19.99

JUL240907 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN EPIC COLLECT TP VOL 28 WEB LIFE WEB DEATH $44.99

SEP240868 AVENGERS #20 $3.99

SEP240869 AVENGERS #20 ELENA CASAGRANDE STORMBREAKERS VAR $3.99

AUG247623 AVENGERS #20 EPIC GAMES MARVEL FORTNITE CAPTAIN JONES VAR $3.99

SEP240870 AVENGERS #20 PACO MEDINA THE THING VAR $3.99

SEP240871 AVENGERS #20 SERGIO DAVILA VAR $3.99

SEP240907 BLOOD HUNTERS #4 (OF 5) $3.99

JUL240904 CAPTAIN AMERICA BY STRACZYNSKI TP VOL 02 TRYING TO COME HOME $17.99

JUL240912 CAPTAIN AMERICA EPIC COLLECT TP VOL 16 STREETS OF POISON $49.99

AUG240971 DOOM BY SANFORD GREENE POSTER $8.99

SEP240694 KAHHORI RESHAPER OF WORLDS #1 $4.99

SEP240695 KAHHORI RESHAPER OF WORLDS #1 MARIA WOLF VAR $4.99

SEP240696 KAHHORI RESHAPER OF WORLDS #1 MARVEL ANIMATION VAR $4.99

APR240739 KID VENOM #3 $3.99

APR240741 KID VENOM #3 LUCIANO VECCHIO VAR $3.99

APR240740 KID VENOM #3 PHILIP TAN HOMAGE VAR $3.99

AUG240974 MARVEL GRAPHIC COMIC BOX DOOM (BUNDLES OF 5) $60.00

AUG240975 MARVEL GRAPHIC COMIC BOX WEST COAST AVENGERS (BUNDLES OF 5) $60.00

JUL240915 MIGHTY MMW AMAZING SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 05 BECOME AVENGER $15.99

JUL240916 MIGHTY MMW AMAZING SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 05 BECOME AVENGER DM $15.99

JUL240899 MS MARVEL THE NEW MUTANT TP VOL 02 $15.99

AUG240844 MSH SECRET WARS #11 FACSIMILE ED $4.99

AUG240845 MSH SECRET WARS #11 FACSIMILE ED 25 COPY INCV GREG LAND VAR $4.99

AUG240846 MSH SECRET WARS #11 FACSIMILE ED FOIL VAR (NET) $PI

SEP240775 NEGASONIC TEENAGE WARHEAD #1 $6.99

SEP240776 NEGASONIC TEENAGE WARHEAD #1 AUDREY MOK VAR $6.99

AUG240970 PSYLOCKE #1 POSTER $8.99

APR240851 PUNISHER MAX BY AARON DILLON OMNIBUS HC NEW PTG $100.00

APR240852 PUNISHER MAX BY AARON DILLON OMNIBUS HC NEW PTG DM VAR $100.00

APR240850 ROM ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS OMNIBUS HC VOL 03 DM VAR $125.00

APR240849 ROM ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS OMNIBUS HC VOL 03 RUSSELL CVR $125.00

SEP240857 SPIDER-MAN BLACK SUIT & BLOOD #4 (OF 4) $5.99

SEP240859 SPIDER-MAN BLACK SUIT & BLOOD #4 (OF 4) LEONARDO ROMERO VAR $5.99

SEP240838 SPIDER-MAN HOMEROOM HEROES #2 (BUNDLES OF 5) (Net) $PI

SEP240850 SPIDER-SOCIETY #4 (OF 4) $3.99

SEP240852 SPIDER-SOCIETY #4 (OF 4) DIKE RUAN SPIDER-PUNK VAR $3.99

SEP240851 SPIDER-SOCIETY #4 (OF 4) MIRKA ANDOLFO VAR $3.99

SEP240911 STAR WARS AHSOKA #5 $4.99

SEP240913 STAR WARS AHSOKA #5 PHIL NOTO VAR $4.99

SEP240915 STAR WARS BATTLE JAKKU INSURGENCY RISING #4 (OF 4) $3.99

SEP240916 STAR WARS BATTLE JAKKU INSURGENCY RISING #4 (OF 4) 25TH ANN $3.99

SEP240917 STAR WARS BATTLE JAKKU INSURGENCY RISING #4 (OF 4) QUAH VAR $3.99

JUL240898 ULTIMATE X-MEN BY PEACH MOMOKO TP VOL 01 FEARS AND HATES $19.99

SEP240817 ULTIMATES #6 $4.99

SEP240818 ULTIMATES #6 INHYUK LEE ULTIMATE SPECIAL VAR $4.99

SEP241014 ULTIMATES #6 JOSEMARIA CASANOVAS CONNECT VAR $4.99

SEP240820 ULTIMATES #6 LEINIL YU WRAPAROUND VAR $4.99

AUG247971 UNCANNY X-MEN #3 2ND PTG RYAN STEGMAN VAR $4.99

SEP240777 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) $4.99

SEP240779 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) ANDREI BRESSAN TEAM DYLAN VAR $4.99

SEP240780 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) ANDREI BRESSAN TEAM EDDIE VAR $4.99

SEP240778 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) CHRIS GIARRUSSO VAR $4.99

SEP240783 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) CLAYTON CRAIN VENOM HORSE VAR $4.99

SEP240781 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) PEACH MOMOKO VAR $4.99

SEP240800 VENOM WAR SPIDER-MAN #4 (OF 4) $3.99

SEP240801 VENOM WAR SPIDER-MAN #4 (OF 4) RAFAEL GRASSETTI VAR $3.99

AUG240972 WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #32 FACSIMILE EDITION POSTER $8.99

AUG240973 WEST COAST AVENGERS #1 POSTER $8.99

SEP240718 X-FACTOR #4 $3.99

SEP240721 X-FACTOR #4 ANAND RAMCHERON VAR $3.99

SEP240719 X-FACTOR #4 MARCUS TO CECILIA REYES VAR $3.99

SEP240739 X-FORCE #5 $3.99

SEP240742 X-FORCE #5 ADAM POLLINA VAR $3.99

SEP240740 X-FORCE #5 CLAYTON CRAIN BETSY BRADDOCK VAR $3.99

SEP240769 X-MEN #7 $4.99

AUG247626 X-MEN #7 AFU CHAN MARVEL FORTNITE MEOWTOOTH VAR $4.99

SEP240770 X-MEN #7 CORY SMITH VAR $4.99

SEP240772 X-MEN #7 JOELLE JONES PSYLOCKE VAR $4.99

SEP240774 X-MEN #7 ROGE ANTONIO MARVEL TWO IN ONE VAR $4.99

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#IReadsYou Review: THE MADNESS #2

THE MADNESS #2 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Valerio Giangiordano; Danielle Otrakji

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

The Madness is a new six-issue miniseries from AWA Studios.  It is written by J. Michael Straczynski; drawn by ACO (pencils) and David Lorenzo (inks); colored by Marcelo Maiolo; and lettered by Sal Cipriano.  The series follows a woman who uses her super-powers as a thief and her quest for revenge against a group of superheroes.

The Madness introduces Sarah Ross a.k.a. “The Raven.”  She has super-powers:  flight, super speed, super strength, and invulnerability, but she can only use one at a time.  Sarah has been using her powers as a thief, stealing from the rich and giving it to herself.  She plans one more big score so that she can retire to a life of luxury.  However, she steals from the “wrong person” and that leads to brutal consequences that may drive her to utter madness.

The Madness #2 offers the origin of “The Raven,” and the hows and whys of her relationship with Sarah Ross.  Meanwhile, Sarah/The Raven continues her revenge tour – brutal and relentless and with totality.  Meanwhile, the superheroes behind the attack on her are starting to suspect something...

THE LOWDOWN:  AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications.  The Madness #2 is the latest.

In a sense, I don't have words to describe how writer J. Michael Straczynski is blowing my mind, stopping my heart, and making me clench a certain area of my posterior.  Maybe I can borrow the title of the song U2 contributed to the Batman Forever soundtrack, "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me" (1995).  That is what Straczynski is doing to me with this, one of the most intense comic books of its type since Watchmen showed everyone a new path to weaving superhero drama.

Art and graphical storyteller ACO captures the intense madness of Sarah Ross and also the complex and heartbreaking interpersonal slash intrapersonal relationship betwixt Sarah and The Raven.  As I said in my review of the first issue, ACO catches the script at its electric edges, creating the right angles with a captivating sense of graphic design.  ACO certainly creates the sense that something big is going to happen every page, while maintaining a sense of intimacy that makes the bloodshed feel as it should – really frickin' personal.

This is another absolute winner from AWA Studios.  If the American comic book industry is suffering, it isn't suffering from a lack of excellent comic books.  AWA Studios does not make excuses, and they won't have to as long as they keep delivering winners like The Madness.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for excellence in superhero comic books will want to try The Madness.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

THE MADNESS PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/the-madness/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: THE MADNESS #1

THE MADNESS #1 (OF 6)

AWA STUDIOS

STORY: J. Michael Straczynski

PENCILS: ACO

INKS: David Lorenzo

COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo

LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

COVER: ACO

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Brandon Peterson with Marcelo Maiolo; Dalibor Talajic

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2023)

Rated: “Mature”

The Madness is a new six-issue miniseries from AWA Studios.  It is written by J. Michael Straczynski; drawn by ACO (pencils) and David Lorenzo (inks); colored by Marcelo Maiolo; and lettered by Sal Cipriano.  The series follows a woman who uses her super-powers as a thief and her quest for revenge against a group of superheroes.

The Madness #1 introduces Sarah Ross a.k.a. “The Raven.”  She has super-powers:  flight, super speed, super strength, and invulnerability, but she can only use one at a time.  Sarah has been using her powers as a thief, stealing from the rich and giving it to herself.  She plans one more big score – the proverbial big score from which one can retire to a life of luxury for good.

However, Sarah's score means she has to steal from the wrong person.  And this man is the “wrong person” because Sarah's true mark is a highly-placed and powerful official.  Now, Sarah is a target, and the brutal consequences may drive her to utter madness.

THE LOWDOWN:  AWA Studios marketing recently began providing me with PDF review copies of their comic book publications.  The Madness #1 is the latest.

Writer J. Michael Straczynski is best known for his Hollywood work.  He has written for the screen for such films as Ninja Assassin (2009), Thor (2011), and World War Z (2013).  His best known television work is the TV series, “Babylon 5” (1993-98), which he created.  He also wrote for such TV series as CBS' mid-1980s' revival of “The Twilight Zone” and for “Murder, She Wrote,” to name two.

ACO is the pen name of Spanish comic book artist, Alex Cal Oliveira.  He has drawn Iron Man and Uncanny X-Men for Marvel Comics, to name a few, and he had a long stint on Wonder Woman for DC Comics.  I really liked ACO's inspired work on Marvel's 2017 Nick Fury comic book series.

Straczynski and ACO come together for The Madness, and I can call the first issue a shockingly good debut issue.  It is filled with a sense of mystery, a murderous conspiracy, shadowy government cabals, secretive and conniving superheroes, and the anticipation of death and destruction.  Straczynski lures in the readers and then, holds them hostage with high tension, from beginning to end.  ACO catches the script at its electric edges, creating the right angles with a captivating sense of graphic design.  ACO certainly creates the sense that something big is going to happen every page.

For what it presents, The Madness #1 is one of the few debut issues that reminds me of certain elements of Eclipse Comics' Miracleman #1 (cover dated: August 1985) and DC Comics' Watchmen #1 (cover dated: September 1986).  For me, those particular comic books seemed new and groundbreaking and also utterly familiar at the same time.  Am I comparing Straczynski and ACO to Alan Moore and Gary Leach and Alan David?  To Moore and Dave Gibbons?  Well, am I? 

I'm on Twitter a lot, and I always come across fans, commentators, creators, etc. complaining that DC Comics and (especially) Marvel are not producing great comic books.  Comic book publishers not named Marvel or DC, such as AWA Studios, are producing exceptional and entertaining comic books.  If you pass up The Madness #1, you really don't want to read great comic books.  

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans looking for excellence in superhero comic books will want to try The Madness.

A+

10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

THE MADNESS PAGE: https://awastudios.net/series/the-madness/

AWA Website: https://awastudios.net/

AWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awastudiosofficial/

AWA Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWA_Studios

AWA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awastudiosofficial

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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