Conan The Barbarian: Scourge Of The Serpent #3 - Titan Comics

CONAN THE BARBARIAN: SCOURGE OF THE SERPENT No.3, December 2025

Having debatably done little more than adapt a trio of Robert E. Howard’s previously published prose adventures in this mini-series’ first two instalments, it can be argued that Jim Zub finally starts to take the steering wheel with his narrative for Issue Three of “Conan: Scourge Of The Serpent”. In fact, the Canadian author appears to go to quite considerable lengths to drag out the Cimmerian’s encounter with the serpentine deity from “The God In The Bowl”, inflating a single line of words which tells of the hero instantly decapitating the gorgon into a lengthy, action sequence filled full of desperate lunges and slithering feints - And all so that the barbarian’s fight for life can simultaneously reach its zenith alongside that of King Kull and John Kirowan.

Surprisingly however, the same cannot be said of the Animex Honorary Award-winner’s handling of “The Haunter Of The Ring”, in which the exploits of John Conrad’s partner are arguably quite severely truncated from those deeds found in the novella’s original text. Admittedly, this abbreviation still follows the general flow of the tome by having the Professor face his greatest antagonist Yosef Vrolok. But rather then drive to the villain’s home, the writer snatches at the chance to add his own spectral spin to the confrontation by having Kirowan instead simply trade blows with a murderous manifestation of his rival at Jim Gordon's house.

Such a blatant divergence from Howard’s work might be a bit too much for those purists reading this comic. However, the move actually imbues the narrative with some much-needed pace and ghostly ambiance. Indeed, it allows the significantly more modern tale to tie-in quite nicely with both Conan and Kull’s own battles against green-hued serpent-like foes; especially when it becomes clear that the snake-eyed medusa haunting poor Evelyn’s every thought is associated with the Cimmerian’s most notorious nemesis Thoth-Amon.

Undoubtedly helping mesh all these different threads and time-streams together are “Ironclad Ivan Gil” and colour artist “Jumping Jao Canola”. Together the creative pair appear particularly inventive when it comes to extending the barbarian’s aforementioned tussle with a fair-faced serpent in the Nemedian municipality of Numalia. Yet the duo’s work is also first-rate when it comes to convincingly telling of Vrolok’s mystical materialisation from beyond the grave in Boston 1934.

The regular cover art of "CONAN THE BARBARIAN: SCOURGE OF THE SERPENT" #3 by Gerardo Zaffino

Nightwing #129 - DC Comics

NIGHTWING No. 129, October 2025

Whilst Barbara Gordon is entirely right that “things work differently in the Fifth Dimension -- in ways unimaginable and indescribable to our Fourth-Dimensional minds”, it doesn’t mean that having Dan Watters pen Nite-Mite’s corruption of Titans Tower being resolved by Alfred Pennyworth’s recipe for chicken soup will sit particularly well with many within this comic’s audience. Indeed, the entire analogy of Dick Grayson supposedly being the chicken and Nightwing’s heavily mutated pet dog Hayley being the vegetables probably struck many a bibliophile as being something of an incomprehensible, utterly bemusing mess.

Similarly as disconcerting though has to be the distinct lack of information as to what happened to Dyxl in the first place. It’s clear from Oracle’s narration that the fifth dimensional imp is in pain and “in a panic, he built Titanis” using “whatever material was at hand”. However, just what caused the injury in the first place is never explored leaving the reader to ponder whether the titular character’s “self-declared biggest fan” was attacked by the malevolent Zanni or perhaps innocently lured across to our universe by Olivia Pearce and her sinister Spheric Solutions.?

Lastly, when Nite-Mite does finally calm down enough to fully restore the likes of Hayley and Titans Tower back to their former glory, why does Bryce Moran remain in the form of Van-Zee, and fly off to stand vigil over Blüdhaven from orbit..? Obviously the eleven-year-old boy is desperately keen to keep hold of the abilities of Superman’s cousin and help save the world. But how he’s able to retain the Kryptonian’s powers after everything else inside the T-shaped facility is restored is not clarified – unless perhaps Dyxl inconveniently fell asleep before having a chance to transform him back to a child again.  

One person who does appear to be thoroughly enjoying Watters’ narrative for this twenty-six-page periodical is Dexter Soy, who is clearly having fun pencilling a giant rabid dog-monster, a huge multi-tentacled blob, a decidedly dodgy-looking Night-Hare and an imposing Van-Zee. In fact, some fans may well argue that this comic is worth its cover price alone simply for the humorous interior illustrations, even if the customer isn’t particularly won over by the book’s actual 'Wizard Of Oz' storyline.

The regular cover art of "NIGHTWING" #129 by Dexter Soy with Adriano Lucas

Star Wars: Jedi Knights #4 - Marvel Comics

STAR WARS: JEDI KNIGHTS No. 4, August 2025

Whilst Marc Guggenheim’s storyline for Issue Four of “Star Wars: Jedi Knights” undeniably contains a couple of somewhat exciting spacecraft-packed pursuits, it is highly unlikely that many of its readers will agree with the astonishing claim by “Marvel Worldwide” that the twenty-page-periodical depicts “the galactic chase to end all chases!” Indeed, the vast majority of this comic appears to instead simply focus on its significantly-sized cast just talking with one another, and tracking Phaedra down to Nar Shaddaa, rather than actually hot-footing it after the Quaraxian female criminal who has rather stupidly “stolen thousands of credits from Jabba The Hutt”.

Furthermore, considering that this book is supposed to be about the exploits of Jedi Knights, the so-called central protagonists play something of a minor role in the publication’s plot, with Qui-Gon Jinn and Shaak Ti arguably only being used as a decoy for the thief to fake her own death. This secondary role may well prove a bit disappointing for those bibliophiles expecting to learn more about the Jedi Order during the Republic, especially when the American screenwriter appears to try to play the pair as patsies at the tale's very end; “But if you’re in need of someone to kill you don’t rely on two Jedi Knights.”

Ultimately, the New York City-born writer also seemingly undermines just why “the entire galaxy is after” Phaedra by simply having her use her loot as proof of collateral for a big bet on the Malastare races. Taking such a dangerous risk for a far from certain wager may well strike some within the comic’s audience as being less than convincing behaviour for the notorious pilferer, as well as a much less interesting sub-plot than the yarn’s opening gambit of “a Senator [who] was fronting for Jabba” - an intriguing aspect of political corruption and villainy already penetrating the Galactic Republic's Senate which this comic disappointingly doesn’t follow up upon.

Quite possibly this book’s most appealing aspect therefore lies in the layouts of Madibek Musabekov, whose artwork brings all the different alien races to vibrant life. Of particular note is the way the artist manages to show how impressive the two Jedi Knights are when they finally reveal themselves to the likes of Aurra Sing, Zam Wesell and Bane Malar, as well as how he imbues the various spacecraft with a genuine sense of speed as they’re zooming over the sky of the Smuggler’s Moon.

The regular cover art of "STAR WARS: JEDI KNIGHTS" #4 by Rahzzah

Nightwing #128 - DC Comics

NIGHTWING No. 128, September 2025

It’s probably fair to say that in penning a tale set within a fifth dimensional event, Dan Watters arguably felt that he could include practically anything inside his storyline for Issue One Hundred And Twenty Eight of “Nightwing”. However, whilst the surprise inclusion of Van-Zee – the Nightwing-Prime of Kandor may well have delighted some within this comic’s audience, the twenty-two-page periodical’s overarching plot must surely have left the vast majority of its readers both baffled and bewildered; “They’re normally docile hunter-gatherers. What’s gotten into them?”

Indeed, so much of Dick Grayson’s utterly bizarre adventures within this book must simply be accepted by its customers as simply being part of Nite-Mite’s madness without the publication’s English writer even trying to provide them with any sort of explanation. This lack of context may well work for the first few times, such as when the titular character suddenly encounters a hallway filled full of Deathwing replicas. But the notion that Batman’s original Robin has then somehow been reduced in size to that of one of the Kryptonians “that was shrunk down and collected by Brainiac” and is subsequently forced to flee deadly drawings of himself that he scribbled down as a child is debatably much too much.

Likewise the London-born author would also have his followers believe that having rescued Nightwing from the aforementioned horde of duplicate dollotrons, Van-Zee would inexplicably betray Grayson to a multi-limbed abomination of the masked vigilante's pet dog as he is apparently threatening everything. This despicable behaviour appears to make no sense whatsoever, and genuinely begs the question as to why the “cousin of Superman” wouldn’t have just left Dick to fight his own battles, or even pushed him out of his miniscule spacecraft when the ship was first attacked by the aforementioned sketches of the Boy Wonder.?

Perhaps just as unhelpful as this comic’s script are Dexter Soy’s layouts, which disappointingly provide few visual clues as to what’s happening either. For example, one moment it appears that the miniature Kryptonian dwells within the crooks and crevices of Titans Tower, maintaining law and order by racing through the smallest of the building's channels and funnels. And then suddenly the so-called “hero” is shown flying over some sort of massive, forested landscape which somehow sits between the state-of-the-art facility’s front entranceway and its holding cells.?

The regular cover art of "NIGHTWING" #128 by Dexter Soy with Adriano Lucas

Alien, Predator, And Planet Of The Apes CGD 2026 #1 - Marvel Comics

ALIEN, PREDATOR AND PLANET OF THE APES CGD 2026 No.1

There should be little doubt that this “promotional giveaway” certainly lives up to its pre-publication promise of providing its audience with a trio of intriguing “stories from across Twentieth Century Studios”, for whilst the twenty-page-periodical arguably leaves its best tale until last, all three of the yarns found inside Issue One of “Alien, Predator, And Planet Of The Apes CGD 2026” are pretty good. Indeed, the most successful of the narratives probably depends upon which of the science-fiction franchises any onlooker is most interested in; “Okay. We’ve run this drill a dozen times! Coordinated strike on my mark… Fire!”

However, it’s probably a fairly safe bet that Saladin Ahmed’s “Kingmaker” will probably land the most awkwardly with bibliophiles, seeing as its basically consists of four Power Ranger-like humanoids being created so as to help overcome an alien infestation of the Colony World Sovryn. Admittedly, Emilio Laiso’s artwork definitely helps when it comes to the quartet’s fight against a single xenomorph drone. But when the protagonists are unimaginatively named Red, White, Green and Blue, it is debatably difficult not to disconcertingly hear Ron Wasserman’s "Go Go Power Rangers" theme track playing in the background as the super-powered heroes morph into their “full enhancement mode.”

Far more impressive, as well as entirely self-contained, is Jordan Morris’ “Together Forever”, which tells of two top-class pugilists romantically coming together at the zenith of an underground fighting tournament. Proficiently pencilled by Roland Boschi, this unlikely couple appear to be on the verge of breaking out on their own until a Predator ambushes them in the surrounding jungle, and is sadly brings their dreams of a future together to a very bloody end.

Lastly is the four-page sneak into Marvel Comics’ upcoming mini-series “Predator Versus Planet Of The Apes”, which frankly should have any fan of Franklin J. Schaffner’s 1968 movie or the original film franchise immediately pre-ordering the title from their local store. Packed full of the furious action experienced during the flick’s famous hunt sequence through one of Ape City’s more remotely located cornfields, and prodigiously sketched by Alan Robinson, this all-too brief taster is wonderfully reimagined as a Yautja warrior suddenly sees the gorilla soldiers riding down the unarmed humans (as well as a female astronaut) as entirely fair game.

Writers: Saladin Ahmed, Jordan Morris & Greg Pak, and Artists: Emilio Laiso, Roland Boschi & Alan Robinson

Planet Of The Apes Verses Fantastic Four #3 - Marvel Comics

PLANET OF THE APES VS. FANTASTIC FOUR No. 3, June 2026

Considering that this twenty-page-periodical contains plenty of pulse-pounding action, a nicely depicted trip down memory lane for those onlookers familiar with Franklin J. Schaffner’s 1968 motion picture, and a reasonably impressive cliff-hanger, there shouldn't be any doubt that Josh Trujillo’s script for Issue Three of “Planet Of The Apes Verses Fantastic Four” ticks all the boxes. However, for some within this mini-series’ audience the American author’s handling of Doctor Zaius and General Ursus seems somewhat off-key, as if the writer has somehow erroneously swapped the two leading cast members’ personalities around with one another.

For starters it really is hard to believe that the fiery “main antagonist of the 1970 film Beneath the Planet of the Apes” would so willingly obey the orders of two humans, even if one of them was Doctor Doom. Of course, it’s difficult to know what feats of strength the ruler of Latveria may well have shown the Supreme Commander of the gorilla army off-screen so as to bend the senior soldier to his will. But even so, to hear Ursus so timidly agree to the Red Ghost’s plan and then accept Victor placing his hand on his shoulder just doesn’t ring right; “You will serve us, General, and in turn, you will reign as ruler of this accursed planet.”

Likewise, the orangutan politician’s behaviour is a far cry from the member of the Ape National Assembly seen on the silver screen, with Zaius almost suffering an embolism due to his uncontrollable anger when referred to as a “monkey” by Ben Grimm. This insult sets the Minister of Science off into a savage attack against the likes of Cornelius and Zira – who are trying to protect the powerless Fantastic Four – and yet when Taylor previously tied him up and gagged him in the Forbidden Zone, the Chief Defender of the Faith appears uncomfortable at best, and certainly doesn’t have his armed entourage shoot the human down in cold blood when he eventually has the chance.

Far more successful than the writing is therefore arguably Andrea Di Vito’s artwork, which adds plenty of dynamism to the various demonstrations of super-powers this comic’s storyline requires. In addition, the Italian illustrator does a very good job of morphing Ape City’s most recognisable characters into “The Apetastic Four”, as well as suggesting the viciousness of the one-sided struggle taking place within the simians' municipal as President Gaius’ governmental forces are overrun by Ursus’ more numerous farmers.

The regular cover art of "PLANET OF THE APES VS. FANTASTIC FOUR" #3 by Greg Land & Rachelle Rosenberg

Nightwing #127 - DC Comics

NIGHTWING No. 127, August 2025

Whilst Dan Watters’ narrative for Issue One Hundred And Twenty Seven of “Nightwing” certainly seems to bounce along at a brisk pace with its zesty mix of personal issues, headlong rushes to hospital and “something monstrous” taking over the former Titans Tower, this twenty-two-page periodical’s plot probably didn’t win over all that many of the ongoing title’s regular readers. In fact, considering that Dick Grayson’s costumed alter-ego doesn’t actually fight anything within the confines of this comic, a fair few of the mask-wearing vigilante’s long-standing followers were most likely a little bemused by the book’s lack of flamboyant fisticuffs. 

Of course, that isn’t to say that “Other” doesn’t contain plenty of sense-shattering moments to keep its audience fully immersed, such as Spheric Solutions' plan to use their latest technology to help rid Blüdhaven of its sudden, highly convenient Fifth Dimensional menace. But this book debatably just continues to build up to a confrontation between the titular character and his metropolis’ towering, multi-eyed menace without ever actually depicting the original Boy Wonder throwing one of his “sticks” in anger; “We’ve developed Kappa-irradiated equipment, in case of an incursion from just such a theoretical realm.”

Similarly as unpersuasive is debatably the English author’s claim that Nightwing hasn’t bothered speaking to his sister in some time, despite the Mayor giving “free rein” to a posse of “evil police robots” which are currently roaming the former whaling town’s streets. Such a disconcerting omission on Grayson’s part is simply written off as being on the young man’s long list of ‘things to do’. However, it’s clear that for the purpose of this storyline the two siblings must be kept apart because otherwise Dick is bound to help break down the woman’s hypnotised state after she previously saw Olivia Pearce’s true face.

This somewhat frustrating atmosphere of the publication being a bit of a ‘filler’ can also be seen in some of Dexter Soy’s panels, where the undoubted prodigious penciller repeatedly provides the yarn with splash pages to show off the formidable height of the aforementioned numerously tentacled purple horror attacking Titans Tower. In addition, it takes the illustrator a whopping five pages to depict the main protagonist both getting ready and then actually entering his old headquarters’ ground floor.

The regular cover art of "NIGHTWING" #127 by Dexter Soy with Adriano Lucas