I love magic in comics, and Doctor Strange is my favourite. When Strange Academy was announced – a Marvel school of magic – I was thrilled. So I drew myself into the cover art, blue dressing gown and all. Here’s why that comic meant so much to me.
I’m a big fan of magic, and having magical heroes in comics means a lot to me.
My favourite comic book hero of magic is Doctor Strange. I was so excited when Strange Academy was announced – a school of magic in the Marvel Universe, with teachers including some of my most beloved heroes: Shaman, Scarlet Witch, Brother Voodoo, Magik, and more. Plus the introduction of new young heroes. I felt like a kid who wanted so badly to be part of something like that.
So I took the cover of Strange Academy #1 – which features a group of students and Doctor Strange – and I drew myself in the style of Humberto Ramos, placing myself right between them.
I drew myself as I actually was: wearing my blue dressing gown. Whoever saw it could think I was a wizard – and they’re free to interpret it however they like. I’m fine with that.
Well, if not in real life, at least I can make a fan art. That drawing put a smile on my face for several days.
I truly miss that comic. I hope Marvel brings it back someday.
Meet Leo – not ferocious, but persistent. Not flamboyant, but stylish. A genius, not a show‑off. He’s my half‑man, half‑cat hybrid, and after many attempts, he’s the one I’m focusing on. Here’s a rough sketch and a glimpse of what’s to come.
This is Leo.
He is not ferocious, but he is persistent. He is not flamboyant, but he does have style. He is not better than everyone, but he is a genius.
He is not just a man. He is the Cat Man.
Behind the Character
I’ve been trying for a while now to build a character who is half‑man and half‑cat. Out of all the varieties I’ve gone through, Leo is the one that has come closest to being the version I want to focus on — developing his story, building his world.
I already have an origin story for him, but I’ll keep that to myself for now.
The Sketch
This is a rough sketch I did of Leo — shown both in his human form and his cat form. Penciled, inked, and coloured.
I’m glad I have Procreate to do these sketches. It saves me a lot of paper.
What’s Nexts
Leo is still a work in progress, but he’s the one. More to come as I refine his design and finally share his origin.
Batman always felt too big to tackle — too many reboots, crossovers, and versions. But Matt Fraction’s new #1 gave me the perfect jump on point. After 7 issues, I’ve discovered I love everyone in Gotham more than Batman himself. Here’s why I’m staying.
Reading a Batman comic is not that easy for me. He’s a huge character with various versions and a lot of history — plus many reboots.
I would start to read a Batman comic, but something would make me stop. Usually, it was some crossover event.
But I’ve always been eager to read Batman because I was a fan as a child. I loved the old TV series Batman (1966–1968) starring Adam West, and the animation Super Friends (1973–1986).
Why Did I Decide to Read It Now?
I asked on Threads if I should give Batman a chance. Most people gave positive feedback — and I trust the comic book fan community.
Plus, Matt Fraction is taking over writing duties with a new issue #1, which makes it a perfect jumping-on point. I’ve enjoyed Fraction’s comics many times before, and I trust he’ll give us a great story.
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Was I Pleased?
Well, after reading 7 issues of this Batman run, I have to say: everyone else in his cast is more interesting than Batman himself.
Officer Gordon
That was a real surprise. I always knew him as Commissioner Gordon, so seeing him as an officer right from the first page was a shock — but a good one. It felt like seeing an old friend.
Tim Drake / Robin
He is simply cool. I think he’s the best Robin — the most mature — and a representative of the LGBTQ+ community.
Damian / Robin
He’s an annoying brat wrapped in a bundle of intelligence, raw emotion, and killer fighting skills. Somehow, I admire the kid.
Dr. Zeller
She’s new to me (and maybe new to Batman comics — I’m not sure). I hope she sticks around. She’s smart, witty, and has a nerdy streak. I like her.
Gotham City
Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez are managing to reintroduce Gotham to me in a beautiful way. All the mentions of where the story takes place, the locations where characters live, and actually seeing them on the page — it’s memorable, interesting, and makes me feel like I’m visiting Gotham City.
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And What About Batman?
It’s not that I dislike Batman. It’s just that he’s almost too harsh in his views and how he treats others. As Bruce Wayne, he’s a bumbling buffoon — two completely different personas. You see that in how he reacts to Tim, Damian, Alfred, and Dr. Zeller. Either as Batman or Bruce, his behaviour is polarised and absolute.
He’s not like Peter Parker, who happens to be Spider‑Man. Batman is the mysterious, scary figure whose persona is Bruce Wayne.
I don’t relate to him or feel inspired by him — but I admire his persistence, his strategic mind, and the love he shows for the Bat‑Family.
Final Verdict
I will continue reading this new Batman comic. Fraction has me hooked with interesting stories, and Jorge Jiménez’s art — especially in the action scenes — is simply breathtaking. It pumps the adrenaline.
It’s a good comic — and a good one to start reading Batman.
And one more thank you — to everyone on Threads who encouraged me to give Batman a chance. You were right, and I’m glad I listened. This one’s for the comic community. 💬
— Costas
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I picked up Web of Venom curious about the new symbiote host — someone Spider-Man and Peter Parker know. I was hoping for Flash Thompson. What I got was Boomerang. Here’s why I enjoyed it despite my doubts.
I read Web of Venom because I was curious about what Marvel had teased: the new symbiote host is someone who Spider-Man and Peter Parker know. I was hoping for Flash Thompson.
I was surprised by who the new hero actually is — and I enjoyed reading the issue. I also immensely enjoyed the art of Luke Ross and Ramon Rosanas.
My Hesitations Before Reading
Here’s why I was of two minds going in:
Despite the title Web of Venom, there’s already someone calling themselves Venom — and it’s Mary Jane.
The outfit the new hero wears is similar to Spider‑Man’s red and blue suit. We already have too many heroes with similar outfits and powers.
The appearance of the new hero looked like Venom deciding to wear a Spider‑Man outfit.
It all felt like gimmicks to hook you — and I admit, they hooked me.
The Good Part
Then I read the comic — and this is where it gets good.
Jordan Morris has written a very good first issue. He takes you immediately to the point and reveals that the new hero is actually Boomerang — and what led him to become a symbiote host. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait several issues to find out.
We see Boomerang’s mindset: he wants to escape from all the big shots and live low‑key. I’m a fan of Boomerang, and I’m glad Marvel brought him to the forefront again. I just hope they keep him there and give more emphasis on who he is — not just a Spider‑Man replica.
Art & Colours
I loved the detailed art from Luke Ross and Ramon Rosanas. It was filled with good storytelling — big panels with action scenes, and simple quieter ones too. The colours from Svid Curiel were perfect.
Final Thoughts
It’s a well‑rounded comic. I would have preferred it to be called Boomerang, but calling it Web of Venom might bring in new readers. And if the quality of the story hooks them, the title might actually stand a chance of not being canceled in the near future.
Either way, I’ll stick around for the story and the art.
Costas on Comics 