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RVA Comics X-Change: Issue 18

Ash Griffith | April 30, 2019

Topics: Avengers: Endgame, comics, Jordan Kincaid, Lore Olympus, Megan Kearney's Beauty and the Beast, Mias & Elle, Owlcraft, RVA Comics X-Change, The Girl From The Other Side, The Tea Dragon Society

Happy Tuesday, my comics-loving babes! If you are reading this, I will assume that you survived Thanos’s snap. But did you survive the three hours and one minute that was Avengers: Endgame this weekend?

Trust me. We’re getting to that in a minute.

We’re entering the hot season for conventions, folks. Between Awesome Con in Washington DC this past weekend and Galaxy Con coming up at the Richmond Convention Center next month, almost every illustrator, writer, and comic fan is going to be full of buzz for the next convention. Lucky for us, local illustrator Jordan Kincaid took time out of her super-busy schedule to tell us the lowdown on what she is digging into these days.

Kincaid is a Richmond-based illustrator and VCU alumnus who most recently has been featuring her work as part of the OwlCrate subscription service for Young Adult books and media. Her work often focuses on a whimsical, fairy-tale aesthetic. And if that sounds like it might be in your wheelhouse, then you’re really going to dig the recommendations she has for us.

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe

Following the current modern retelling trend, Smythe’s Lore Olympus online webtoon retells the infamous myth of Hades and Persephone, and asks — what if they started as just good friends?

“Hades is incredibly thoughtful, kind, and respectful, especially to sweet little Persephone,” said Kincaid. “The entire cast is so colorful, both literally and figuratively. The comic also very respectfully handles more serious issues, especially regarding consent, sexual assault, and processing that trauma. Note that Hades does not commit this horrible act. The series is still ongoing, and I honestly look forward to reading each new chapter every Saturday night.”

The Girl from the Other Side by Nagabe

“A cursed monster who goes by the name Teacher comes across a small girl named Shiva in the woods,” said Kincaid. “Knowing that Shiva would most likely die if he doesn’t do something, he takes the child and raises her as his own. However, he cannot touch her, as he is a cursed being who can pass his curse to humans just by simply touching them. Throughout the series, he protects her from the other monsters in the woods and the even more monstrous humans that enter their realm.”

If you’re a fan of dark anime, and just of Rogue from X-Men as a person (same, thanks), then you need to add this to your list.

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill

A blacksmith’s apprentice named Greta just so happens to save a tiny tea dragon one day. When she takes it to an older couple who know how to help him, she and her new friend become embedded in the world of tea dragons. Color me jealous.

“I find that I always feel warm after reading this,” said Kincaid. “This short and calming tale is a perfect read before bed, for kids and adults alike. Each panel is so colorful and full of whimsy. It also has great LGBT representation through Hesekiel and Erik. Even though the comic is short, you will still get swept away in the colorful and whimsical world of Tea Dragons.”

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

“Although this series is older, it has become more relevant recently due to its 2019 anime reboot,” said Kincaid. “This manga series is like a hot bowl of soup on a cold day. Tohru is such a caring protagonist, and each zodiac member is filled to the brim with character as well. The romance that the series portrays is incredibly innocent and sweet. You can’t help but fall in love with all the zodiac members, or at least have a favorite 😉 Mine is the year of the Dragon, Hatori.”

Mias and Elle by Jenny Clements

“Mias, a wizard from a Tudor-like dimension, whisks away Elle, a girl from our dimension,” said Kincaid. “A magical belle told him to pick her for some reason that he still can’t figure out. Elle wants nothing to do with this, as she has experienced a recent loss and just wants to move on with her life. Instead, she is trapped with a handsome wizard, helping him with god knows what until he can return her home safely.”

Kincaid also added that if you’re into British humor and “saucy wizard men, this this comic is for you.”

Beauty and the Beast by Megan Kearney

“This rendition of the Beast is very gentle, formal, and so pure of heart that you just want to scoop him up,” said Kincaid. “The chemistry that Belle and the Beast share together is really strong. Their relationship develops very naturally, and you can’t help but sigh between every adorable scene these two share. The atmosphere is beautifully gloomy. You can feel how cold and hostile the castle is, in contrast to the Beast’s warmth — so much so that you don’t want him to change back into the prince at the end.”

Alright, folks. We’re getting to the meat of this issue. I’m only going to say this once, but if you have not yet seen Avengers: Endgame, then you’re going to want to turn away now. Unless you’re into that kind of thing.

Once again. Spoilers for Avengers: Endgame are about to occur. This is your final warning.

[I won’t see it until Thursday… so I’m not editing the rest of this. Sorry, Ash. -ed.]

WHAT THE HELL.

This past weekend was the long awaited opening weekend for the finale of Marvel’s Infinity Saga, Avengers: Endgame. Eleven years and twenty-two films in the making later and it concludes with a grand total of $1.2 billion worldwide opening weekend. Clocking in at three hours and one minute exactly, it is also officially the longest film released thus far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Maybe it’s because I grew up in the era of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy and subsequent director’s cut editions but this didn’t feel like three hours at all. The pace was easily the most consistent out of all of the MCU franchise films, in regard to both narrative and action. I felt like it was a pretty even balance, which can be difficult to do, especially because going in we already knew that this film was going to be packed. There is a lot to unload to get us from point A to point B.

It was emotionally exhausting in the best way that it could be. Most of the loose ends were tied up, and honestly, if you keep up with casting news then quite frankly you already knew how this was ultimately going to play out. I was not surprised that Tony Stark died, especially since Robert Downey Jr has been sharing to the world for the last five years or so that he’s ready to move on.

However, I was a little surprised that Steve Rogers did not die. I was completely ready and expecting Marvel to pull a very parallel Death of Superman moment on Cap, especially after we learned that he is in fact worthy of Mjolnir. Rogers passing the Captain America torch to Sam aka Falcon was something that I was hoping would happen for a long time, but I was prepared for MCU to cater to the majority and pass it off to Bucky.

When I got what I wanted you could probably hear me screaming over the river.

As much as I loved this film, and without shame will share with everyone how I ugly cried for three hours and change, I did have some issue with it that I can’t ignore, especially as we take some time off before we enter Phase 4 of the MCU.

Just when exactly is Natasha Romanoff going to catch a damn break?

Natasha has had exactly two good films in the MCU – Iron Man 2, and The Avengers. The rest followed the trend of starting her off strong, and then ending very weak when the writers got bored with her. One of the biggest issues that still bothers me is how Natasha being sterile was treated so poorly.

I get that she can’t have children, it’s canon, it’s what it is. That is not my issue. My issue is how in the MCU it was treated so lazily and almost to the point that it was lumped in with the “red on her ledger” that she continues to speak of. It was mentioned for ten minutes and then dropped.

Hard.

This is not the damn Budapest gag between her and Clint Barton. This is not a throw away gag. This is a very serious, very real issue that you can’t just bring up so flippantly when you are too lazy to take the time to actually develop her character and move her story along. That’s a sign of a terrible writer.

Enter Endgame. Five years into the future Natasha has entered a powerful leadership position. She’s understandably stressed and exhausted, but she’s the leader we all knew she could and should be. She even gets her bestie back to go skipping into the sunset with, and if you subscribe to the (also painfully weak and poorly written) romance between her and Bruce Banner, then she also gets her honey back. Life’s coming up Milhouse, y’all.

Except oh no, oh wait no it isn’t because we’re also going to kill her for the soul stone.

I’m not mad how, Natasha died. I want to make that crystal clear. I am mad why she died.

I knew that Hawkeye and Black Widow were going to fight it out to see who would sacrifice themselves. What I did not (and honestly shame on me because I totally should have) seen coming was Black Widow’s rationale was because she “does not have have a family” and Clint does.

Then who the hell was this ragtag band of misfit toys that she has spent the last eight years with?

I could also go into another further tangent about how gross it was that Natasha never got a funeral but Tony Stark did, and well really anyone else and how it felt like she died to serve as a motivator for the men in her life but we don’t have that kind of time. Also Gamora already had to do the same thing, apparently in Avengers: Infinity War last year so.

That being said, I do want to make it clear that despite some personal issues I have with the film, as an overall piece and conclusion? I did love it. I absolutely loved it and I will undeniably go back both alone and dragging my partner along to see it about thirty more times. At least.

Also, between Brie Larson campaigning hard for an all female Avengers, and the panoramic shot of all of the women about to tear it up? Oh, yes. We’re just getting started here.

Until next time, RVAvengers.

Top Image by Jordan Kincaid, via jkincaidillustration.com

RVA Comics X-Change: Issue 16

Ash Griffith | April 2, 2019

Topics: Adventures of Barry and Joe, Avengers, Avengers: Endgame, comics, Comics X-Change, graphic novels, InSEXts, terror inpodnito, The Boys

Good afternoon, RVA comic fans! Welcome to this afternoon’s issue of RVA Comics X-Change, where we take a look at what is going on in our beloved land of comics, and the surrounding pop culture. This week we have a more pocket-sized edition for you of comic recommendations, but that is only because we are busy gearing up for the final countdown of Avengers: Endgame.

Which is out in exactly 24 days. 23 if you count the midnight showing. Not that it, you know, matters or anything.

This week we talked to our friends at the best local podcast for all of your horror needs: Terror InPodnito. Co-Host Palmer Sturman stopped by to give us some of his favorite trade editions that he has been digging into lately. Horror comic fans, this is, in fact, the issue for you. Meanwhile, after I get a little political with a graphic novel recommendation, we close out by breaking down the most recent theory surrounding events in Endgame.

Did Marvel reveal who actually dies in the upcoming film?

If you read all of the casting news surrounding the franchise, it seems the answer is… well, yes and no. Who knows! All right, friends, grab your snacks of choice and get comfy, because we’re diving in.

The Boys, by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson

“I’ve been really exploring my new run-through of this series, which touches on the darker side of superheroes, and attempts to dissect some of the ego, crime, and exploitation that might come from those figures once they realize they’re all-powerful,” said Sturman. “It takes the classic ‘who watches the watchmen’ idea and adds that signature Ennis flair, which usually just involves lots of violence and dark humor.”

Sturman knows a few things in the series might feel cringeworthy at this point in history — but he doesn’t necessarily think that should stop anyone from checking it out. “Most people know if they’re Ennis fans or not by this point,” he said. “If you are a fan and haven’t read The Boys yet, or if you’re not easily offended, the series is a decent read that has a bizarre way of making one feel equal parts grossed-out and giddy.”

InSEXts: Year One, by Marguerite Bennett and Ariela Kristantina

“The comic is set in the mid-1800s, and is an erotic horror/revenge tale that is equal parts gruesome and beautiful,” said Sturman. “It centers on two Victorian women that fall in love with one another and discover a bizarre and terrifying ability to transform into strange insect-like creatures. They use this ability to better their lives and shelter their love from an outside world that seeks to destroy them. It’s dark, twisted, and amazingly beautiful both in terms of writing and artwork.”

Once again I must return with a politically fun recommendation for you, oh faithful readers. If The Notorious AOC wasn’t your cup of London Fog, never fear. Our favorite meme-tastic cabinet is here to entertain and save the day.

The Adventures of Barry and Joe: Obama and Biden’s Bromantic Battle for the Soul of America by Adam Reid is exactly what it says it is. It is a colorful, sharp, fast-paced graphic novel about the adventures of our favorite time-travelling, crime-fighting, mystery-solving leaders of the first world. Imagine if you will that Andrew Shaffer’s Hope Never Dies was a graphic novel influenced by Scooby Doo. That’s about what you’ll get in this graphic novel.

Also, if you love that and already need more, then never fear, friends. Reid has already launched a kickstarter to turn the graphic novel into an animated series.

You’re welcome.

This past weekend, the real-life trolls known as Marvel’s marketing team decided to release even more advertising for the upcoming Avengers film in the form of posters. It wasn’t enough that we got new posters, but we got new posters that left the internet scouring for answers. Half of the posters released were in color, to signify who survived Thanos’ snap, and the other half were in black and white, with the film’s catch line; Avenge the fallen.

So the question remains: Was this an intentional leak, or is Marvel just screwing with us once again?

My theory is that even if they were trapped in the soul stone (This is an important point: don’t forget that no one is actually dead — rather, they are trapped in Thanos’ soul stone), the marketing is not to indicate any kind of permanence. Instead, these are just answers for what happened after the aforementioned snap, at the end of Infinity War.

It is a given that if anyone is for-sure going to die it’ll be Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, and perhaps Thor. One of the biggest theories is that to close out this MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) arc, the core team (Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, and Black Widow) are going to die or step aside to make room for the new team, which would also reopen the debate of who is going to be the new Captain America: Bucky or Falcon?

But again, I am one of those people who reads all of the casting news so, sorry, y’all. Unless someone else signs up, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Mark Ruffalo are done, and thus so are Iron Man, Captain America (or this iteration at least), and Hulk.

And so ends our pocket edition of this week’s Comic X-Change. Small, but portable! What are your theories on the posters? Do you have any theories on Avengers: Endgame itself? Unlike Thanos, we at RVA Magazine do not demand your silence on this matter.

Until next time!

RVA Comics X-Change: Issue 12

Marilyn Drew Necci | February 5, 2019

Topics: Avengers: Endgame, Captain Marvel, Comics X-Change, Marie Kondo, Marvel Cinematic Universe, MCU, My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness

Welcome back, fellow comic book fans! Here comes the newest installment of your go-to column for what is new and coming in the land of comics. This week we are over-analyzing the quickest Avengers: Endgame teaser trailer we could have asked for. and topping it off with some nice and cute recommendations just in time for Valentine’s Day. So cuddle up with your sweetheart and let’s dive on in.

This past Sunday, the Avengers: Endgame teaser trailer made its debut during the Super Bowl. Thirty seconds later and I was emotionally compromised for the rest of my night. Before we go on, let’s watch it again.

There is so much to unpack, but here we are. The first thing we must truly focus on is the fact that, if nothing else it is made crystal clear, we know Captain America is going to be of one of the larger focuses of Endgame. To anyone following casting news, this comes as no surprise, as Chris Evans has made it clear that this will be his final MCU film (at least for awhile).

Much of Cap’s focus is on him in a veteran’s recovery meeting, possibly mourning Sam, if not the rest of the Avengers. He could also be mourning the loss of his majestic beard, like the rest of us.

Another thing to note is Natasha Romanoff (aka Black Widow) seen going hardcore with her training mode, signalling that this film is finally give her something to do again. No one is more excited for her than me, except for maybe Hawkeye, who is making his shift into Ronin this arc. Finally, the trailer ends with what is left of the gang on Earth, walking off the base to go solve some spooky mysteries, but also to smash Thanos’ big dumb face.

It’s easy to get hyped up — after all, that is what good advertising does. But if Avengers: Endgame does not end up being if not the best MCU film of all time, or at least the best MCU film of the year, I will be equal parts confused, disappointed, and shook.

You know what I like to do on Valentine’s Day when I’m done inhaling the charcuterie plate I crafted from the Aldi on Boulevard? I like to cuddle with my Valentine and read some cute comics, y’all. Trust and believe, I’ve got some for you.

Marvel’s Captain Marvel Prelude by Will Corona Pilgrim, Andrea Di Vito, et. al.

Obviously I couldn’t give you a list in an issue where we go into Avengers MCU discussion without bringing up Captain Marvel at least once. With her film barely a month away, now is the time to catch up on her and her history. I’ll admit that I got into Captain Marvel’s story relatively late, so some of these are brand new to me as well. Luckily for us, this trade paperback includes the cliff’s notes stories all in one handy-dandy package. Bless.

Betty & Veronica #3 by Jamie L. Rotante and Kelly Fitzpatrick

Why yes, I am back again with yet another Betty and Veronica rec of some kind, and I’m still not apologizing for it. B and V are all about that love and friendship while getting into quirky hijinks as they warm my cold, dark heart. Like Valentine’s Day!

The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo and Yuko Uramoto

Oh, oh yes, you read that correctly. The popular book, and now Netflix series, by Marie Kondo about getting your life together has been transformed into a manga. It is adorable, practical, and maybe, just maybe, it will help me break my lipstick-hoarding habits. Who knows!

My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness by Nagata Kabi

This is one that I’ve been curious about for awhile, and have heard nothing but strong recommendations for it. In this manga, Kabi tells an unfiltered, brutally honest autobiographical account of her life as she explores her experiences with depression, gender, and sexual identity.

I hope you now have some fun stories to keep you warm this Valentine’s Day. And if nothing else, just remember one thing: no one, and I mean no one, is having a worse day than Tony Stark.

Until next time!

RVA Comics X-Change: Issue 8

Ash Griffith | December 11, 2018

Topics: Aminder Dhaliwal, Avengers 4, Avengers: Endgame, BattleArc 2088, Brett Marcus Cook, Carolyn Nowak, comics, Danny Djeljosevic, Flower Girls, Francesca Lyn, Girl Town, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Nancy, Olivia Jaimes, On A Sunbeam, Richie Pope, RVA Comics X-Change, That Box We Sit On, Tillie Walden, Woman World

Good afternoon and happy holidays, comic fans! Welcome back to yet another issue of your favorite biweekly go to spot for comic and pop culture talk. If you’re like me you used Sunday’s Snowmageddon to hole up and catch up on the latest and greatest out there right now (and honestly, to rewatch the new Avengers trailer ad nauseum, which we will also go into. Stay tuned). Now that the snow is melting, we’re ready to warm up to some new soon-to-be favorites.

Luckily for us, this week we have local comic writer and VCU adjunct professor Francesca Lyn to tell us what she has been digging lately. Lyn is the author and co-creator, along with artist Sally Cantirino, of Flower Girls, which explores what happens to magical girls after they grow up. While Lyn got a lot of her favorite comics from this year’s Small Press Expo in Bethesda, MD, Richmond’s Velocity Comics is her home store.

On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

“It’s a space story but mostly set in a boarding school,” said Lyn. “Her artwork reminds me a bit of Sam Alden but she is definitely doing something that is completely hers.”

BattleArc 2088 by Danny Djeljosevic and Brett Marcus Cook

A 40 page Cyberpunk one shot inspired by series such as Blade Runner and Bubblegum Crisis.

Girl Town by Carolyn Nowak

“It’s already been on a lot of best of 2018 but it deserves it. It is incredible.” said Lyn.

That Box We Sit On by Richie Pope

Two friends decide to uncover the mystery behind the titular box they sit on every day.

Woman World by Aminder Dhaliwal

“I started reading it when it was a webcomic on Instagram,” said Lyn. “It is so funny and good.”

“Nancy” by Olivia Jaimes

The daily comic strip, which dates back to the 30s, was recently taken over by a young female cartoonist, Olivia Jaimes. She has injected modern touchstones and absurdist humor into the strip, making it suddenly relevant again. “A lot of fans of Nancy are super divided, but I really like this fresh take.” said Lyn.

My own recommendation to you is something you have undeniably already seen. Marvel decided to stop toying with us and not only finally released the Avengers 4 trailer, but gave us an official name to go with it.

Avengers: Endgame.

I have been calling it forever and everyone rolled their eyes at me, so to see it official made me do a Looney Tunes-esque style cackle before my phone fell on my face. There is so much to unpack though with this trailer, and honestly, I have never wanted a film to come out right now more. At least, since probably every other Avengers film.

Tony Stark is officially just giving up and accepting his destiny to drift along through space. Thanos is enjoying the peace and calm after he totaled half of the planet; his armor hangs like a creepy scarecrow. Captain America has shaved the beard.

But is Shuri even still alive, though? How did Ant-Man escape the Quantum Realm? Does John Watson ever make an appearance and ask Sherlock why he is wearing a towel around his neck and talking in a weird American accent?

So many questions!

As we sit here in as little patience as possible until April 26th, at least we can be sure of one thing — NASA is finally doing what we pay them to do, and is trying to help Marvel figure out how to bring Tony Stark back home. 

Until next week, comic fans!

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