Marvel Comics – Costas on Comics

Strange Academy – My Fan Art Tribute (Blue Dressing Gown and All)

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.

X-Men Unlimited #2 – Promising, But Is Something Missing?

A diverse cast from all eras. A school is back. But Greymatter Lane — Emma Frost’s mind palace — raises a confusing question: if their minds are there, what are their bodies doing? Here’s why I’d rather see this team in a new Uncanny X-Men book.

I just finished reading X-Men Unlimited #2, and I have mixed thoughts.

What Works

Great, diverse cast – X-Men from all sorts of eras and titles, brought together in interesting ways.
A school is back – It’s nice to see the educational / training element return to the X-Men world.
Potential – This could become a genuinely good comic book.

What Feels Off

The whole Greymatter Lane concept feels vague.

From what I understand, it’s Emma Frost’s mind palace — accessible only to mutants who have a “telepathic key.” But here’s what confuses me:

If their minds are in Greymatter Lane… what are their bodies doing?

Are they just sitting somewhere, unconscious? Are they in a secure location? Are they vulnerable to attack?

The comic hasn’t explained this yet, and right now that uncertainty makes it harder to feel grounded in the story.

What I Would Prefer

I’d rather see this entire cast back at a real school — a physical place. Make it secure. Make it feel like home.

And then, rename the title Uncanny X-Men. That name carries weight, history, and expectation — and this cast deserves that kind of bold statement.

Let’s Discuss

What do you think? Are you enjoying X-Men Unlimited? Does Greymatter Lane work for you, or do you have the same questions?

And here’s a bigger question: how do you think Greymatter Lane actually works? Where are their bodies? Share your theories in the comments below. I’d love to hear them.

Final Verdict

I’ll keep reading — but I’m hoping future issues make the rules of Greymatter Lane clearer or hoping hey ill return to Greymalkin Lane .

Web of Venom – Surprised by Boomerang as the New Symbiote Host

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.

Three Magical First Issues: Doctor Strange, Wiccan & Scarlet Witch

Recently I read the first issue of three comics, all centered on my favorite theme: magic. If there’s a comic about sorcery, witches, or mystical worlds, count me in—double the excitement!

Here are my quick thoughts on each one.

🧙‍♂️ Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange is my favorite sorcerer, and this first issue delivered a good story. What I found most interesting is that he’s stuck in Asgard and desperately trying to find his way back home. He’s dealing with his own Odyssey, and I’m more than pleased—not only to follow the adventure but also to discover what led him to this point from previous series.

✨ Wiccan Witches Road

Wiccan is becoming a gay icon, and this issue shows exactly why. He and his husband are back on Earth, and at the heart of the story is a healthy, caring, loving relationship between two men who would do anything—no matter the odds—to protect each other. That’s what keeps you invested. On top of that, Wiccan is back on Earth where he belongs, and we might see more development of his powers. I’m excited for what comes next.

🌟 Sorcerer Supreme

The Scarlet Witch has a new role as Sorcerer Supreme, defending Earth from all things magical. The big question is: can she truly fill that role? She is not an agent of balance—her powers rely on chaos. I do love the Scarlet Witch (she’s one of my all-time favorite Avengers and witches), and I question whether she’s suitable for this position too. But that tension is exactly why I’ll stick around to see how it develops.

Final Thoughts

I hope someday we get a story focused on the Shaman, but for now, I’ll continue to enjoy the magical Marvel stories from its current mystics.

What about you? Do you have a favorite magical Marvel character? Are you reading any of these series? Let me know in the comments!

Welcome back X-Force

I avoided reading the most recent X-Force title because I didn’t enjoy the one before it. I hadn’t read an X-Force comic since John Francis Moore left the original series, which must have been back in 1997.

I started reading X-Force for the chance to follow several of my favorite heroes from the New Mutants. I grew to love the series, especially John Francis Moore and Adam Pollina’s run, but after they left I dropped the comic and never read any of the following versions.

When they announced that Forge, Sage, and Surge would be part of the new X-Force, I thought this would be my chance to get back into it—I’d always believed those three would make excellent team members. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy that comic.

So, when they announced Inglorious X-Force, I was of two minds. Still, I gave #1 a chance just for Boom Boom and Cable, and I’m so glad I did.

Tim Seeley not only knows these characters, he knows his Marvel Universe history. He integrates the story with the rest of the Marvel universe in a fresh and interesting way, just like in the good old days.

The interactions are spot on and believable because each hero stays true to what I know of them. I might not be a fan of Archangel, Hellverine, especially Ms. Marvel being part of the team, but the way they all interact with each other and how the story unfolds makes it worth reading.

I think X-Force will once again become my favorite comic. I’ve read all three issues and can’t wait for the next one—highly suggested and highly enjoyable.