Reading Comic Books – Costas on Comics

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.

All New Harbinger – Why I’m Loving This Valiant Comics Comeback

After years away from Valiant Comics, I gave All New Harbinger a chance — and I’m so glad I did. Here’s why Fred Van Lente’s writing and Stephen Tamayo’s art make this reboot fantastic. A must-read for fans of psiots, superhero team origins, and great comic storytelling.

I used to be a big fan of Valiant Comics — until I stopped reading comics altogether. After getting over that hiatus, I’ve been back to reading comics for a few years now.

But I wanted to try something different. I’d heard Valiant was shaking things up, and I remembered really liking Harbinger back in the day. So I gave All New Harbinger a go and read all 5 issues.

Oh my goodness — it’s fantastic!

Fred Van Lente’s writing is top-notch, and Stephen Tamayo’s art is simply brilliant. The pacing, the character work, the way psiots are handled — everything clicks.

I can’t wait for the next issue!

Highly recommended for anyone who loves Valiant Comics, superhero teams, or just great indie-style superhero storytelling.

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!

Justice League Unlimited – Why I Read All 4 Issues in One Go

Mark Waid and Dan Mora deliver a thrilling Justice League run. I was so hooked I read all 4 issues back‑to‑back. Here’s why this “unlimited” version of the JLA has me excited for the long haul.

I was surprisingly pleased by Justice League Unlimited — so pleased that I read all 4 issues in one go.

Mark Waid is fleshing out every single page with amazing interactions between each superhero and plot lines that keep you on the edge of your seat. It seems there’s an unlimited number of superheroes who are part of this JLA, and as long as the writing stays this strong, I’m here for the long haul.

And Dan Mora’s art? A feast for the eyes. I’m loving every detail he draws. I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen his art, and I’m thoroughly impressed.

I can’t wait to find out who the villains are working behind the scenes — and who else will be featured in this new unlimited version of the Justice League.

This is a comic I highly suggest you read!