marvel – Costas on Comics

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.

Why I Was Wrong About Red Hulk (And Why You Should Read Benjamin Percy’s Run)

I used to hate General Ross as Red Hulk – but Benjamin Percy’s comic run changed my mind. Read why this grey, gripping series deserves your attention.

I never thought I’d like Red Hulk.

I’ll admit it: for the longest time, I couldn’t stand General Thaddeus Ross. In my mind, he was always just an obnoxious, one‑dimensional antagonist. And the idea of a Red Hulk? Why Ross? Why even go there?

But surprisingly, I’m now absolutely loving the Red Hulk comic book series – and it’s all thanks to Benjamin Percy.

Why Benjamin Percy Makes Red Hulk Work

I’ve been a fan of everything Percy has done at Marvel, and he’s done it again. He took over the character and is crafting an AMAZING comic. So much so that I’m starting to genuinely admire the way Ross thinks and fights.

His survival instinct is incredibly strong. He plans ahead with a level of strategy that considers every possible advantage.

He’s formidable. Percy brings us yet another fascinating comic – one filled with layers of moral grey, not the usual black‑and‑white hero/villain dynamic.

A Gripping Story with Unexpected Allies

I’m a bit late jumping into this series, but I’m planning to catch up and read every single issue. It’s so gripping watching Ross form an unlikely alliance with two other favorite heroes of mine – Machine Man and Deathlok – first as prisoners of Doctor Doom, and then as fugitives trying to survive harsh, brutal conditions.

Red Hulk, Machine Man and Deathlok as fugitives in Benjamin Percy's Red Hulk comic — Red Hulk #3

Should You Read Red Hulk by Benjamin Percy?

Yes. If you’re looking for a smart, gritty, and surprising comic run, I highly suggest you read it.

Read it!

What’s your take on Red Hulk? Love him or hate him? Drop a comment below!

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.

The Way I See It… Wolverine Vol. 5 #1

Another Wolverine monthly? Yes — but this one is different. With Paul Cornell writing and Alan Davis on art, Wolverine Vol. 5 moves the character beyond the grumpy outsider stereotype. Refreshing, intriguing, and beautifully drawn. Here’s why I gave it a chance — and why you should too.

Wolverine gains one more monthly comic book — this one is Volume 5 of the original series.

Most comic fans are not pleased with the overexposure of Wolverine. He appears in so many comics that he often gets more spotlight than he deserves. Yes, he’s popular — but he’s not the only hero in the Marvel Universe.

This new title, though, is considered the core Wolverine book. It features a new numbering and, more importantly, a great creative team: Paul Cornell as writer and Alan Davis as artist. That’s the reason I read it.

Art

Alan Davis teams up yet again with inker Mike Farmer and colorist Matt Hollingsworth — delivering a stunning visual delight.

Davis has a unique, trademarked style that is recognisable wherever you see it. The inks and colours compliment his art perfectly, giving Wolverine a more superhero flair. Wolverine is now part of the Avengers and no longer just a popular outsider, so this glossy, polished art for a new beginning suits the book well.

Story

The story is Part 1 of a story‑line named Hunting Season — a perfect title for a Wolverine comic. But from the very first page, it seems Wolverine is the one being hunted and cornered.

Thanks to Paul Cornell, in just one issue we have more than a few twists and turns that thicken the plot and amp up the mystery of what new threat Wolverine will have to face.

Cornell gives Wolverine the chance to use his Avenger membership to state that he is here to help. This is refreshing — because after a while, it gets boring to see a misunderstood Wolvie growl and attack authority figures.

Witty comments and a sense of humour are also present in the dialogue — a skill Cornell knows how to use in clever ways.

We might also see a new supporting cast. We are introduced to a new female character, NYPD Detective Tomomatsu, who already knows Wolverine. Let’s hope she survives — because she seems like a cool addition.

Final Verdict

Overall, this may be another Wolverine comic — but it is refreshing. It moves the character to a new level, making him more of a hero, placing him in the real world, and not burdening him with heavy X‑Men or Avengers continuity.

It’s a Wolverine comic with no out‑of‑the‑blue team‑ups. It has beautiful art and an intriguing story.

Give it a chance. You will enjoy it.