Comic Reviews • Variant Covers • Collecting • Gaming
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This Alien vs. X-Men #1 comic review looks at Marvel’s 2026 crossover bringing the X-Men face-to-face with the deadly Xenomorphs. Written by Kieron Gillen with additional material by legendary X-Men writer Chris Claremont, the first issue launches a science-fiction horror crossover that fits naturally into the X-Men universe.
This copy features the John Romita Jr. Cover E Foil Variant, with Wolverine caught in a brutal close encounter with a Xenomorph.
John Romita Jr.’s foil variant puts Wolverine directly beneath a towering Xenomorph, with the Alien dominating the composition while Wolverine fights from a decidedly bad position. The red background, acidic green highlights, and massive black Xenomorph make the cover immediately recognizable even before the foil treatment catches the light.
It is exactly the kind of crossover image collectors expect from Alien vs. X-Men: Wolverine, claws, acid blood, and one very angry Xenomorph.
Alien vs. X-Men #1 wastes little time bringing the two properties together. The X-Men head into deep space searching for what they believe is a Phoenix egg, but their mission uncovers something considerably more dangerous. When they return to Earth carrying deadly cargo, the Xenomorph threat comes with them.
The concept works because the X-Men already have a long history with extraterrestrial threats, body horror, and creatures such as the Brood. Dropping Xenomorphs into that environment feels much more natural than the title might initially suggest.
Kieron Gillen’s lead story approaches the crossover as a large-scale action and horror story rather than burying the reader in continuity. That makes the first issue relatively easy to jump into even if you are primarily an Alien fan rather than a regular X-Men reader.
The issue also includes additional material by Chris Claremont involving Kitty Pryde, the Brood, and the Xenomorphs. Bringing Claremont back into an X-Men science-fiction horror setting gives the issue another strong connection to classic X-Men history.
Geraldo Borges handles the main story with artwork suited to both superhero action and the darker science-fiction atmosphere of Alien. The Xenomorphs need to feel physically dangerous even when placed opposite mutants with extraordinary powers, and the visual presentation helps maintain that threat.
Andrew Dalhouse’s colors reinforce the contrast between the traditional X-Men visual language and the darker environments associated with Alien.
David Messina provides artwork for the additional story material, giving that section its own visual identity.
For this particular copy, however, the immediate visual attraction is John Romita Jr.’s foil variant cover. Wolverine and a Xenomorph are natural subjects for Romita’s heavy lines and exaggerated action, and the foil treatment makes an already aggressive cover stand out even more.
Alien vs. X-Men #1 is primarily concerned with establishing the crossover threat, so character development takes a back seat to setup and action.
Wolverine is an obvious fit for this type of story. His aggressive fighting style, healing factor, and willingness to get dangerously close to an enemy make a Xenomorph encounter especially entertaining.
Kitty Pryde also receives additional attention through Chris Claremont’s material. Pairing Kitty with both the Brood and the Xenomorphs gives the issue another strong link to the horror and science-fiction side of X-Men history.
The first issue is less about changing these characters and more about seeing how familiar X-Men personalities react when placed against one of science fiction’s most recognizable monsters.
Alien vs. X-Men #1 has several things working in its favor as a collectible. It is the first issue of the crossover, combines two major franchises, features Chris Claremont contributing additional X-Men material, and was released with several distinct variant covers.
The John Romita Jr. Cover E is a foil variant with an original $8.99 cover price. Unlike the higher-ratio incentive variants released for the issue, this version was not an incentive-exclusive cover, so scarcity should not automatically be assumed.
Its long-term value will depend heavily on collector demand for the crossover and the individual cover. The combination of Wolverine, a Xenomorph, John Romita Jr. artwork, and foil presentation gives this version strong display appeal even without artificial scarcity.
Alien vs. X-Men #1 is exactly the kind of crossover that sounds unusual until you remember how much X-Men history already overlaps with science-fiction horror. Xenomorphs, the Brood, Wolverine, and Kitty Pryde make for a combination that feels considerably more natural than the title might initially suggest.
The first issue delivers the setup, action, and recognizable characters expected from a crossover while leaving room for the conflict to escalate over the remaining issues.
For collectors, the John Romita Jr. foil is one of the more visually distinctive standard variants for the issue. At an $8.99 original cover price, it is also a more accessible alternative to the higher-priced incentive covers.
Recommended for X-Men readers, Alien fans, Wolverine collectors, and anyone who enjoys unusual Marvel crossover events.
Alien vs. X-Men #1 John Romita Jr. Foil Variant is available from Razmataz Comics & Hobbies at razmatazcomics.com while supplies last.
This Sonic the Hedgehog #90 comic review looks at the latest chapter in IDW Publishing’s Road to #100, with Silver the Hedgehog and Blaze the Cat caught in the increasingly suspicious hospitality of Blackwood the Ermine. Released September 30, 2026, issue #90 continues the gothic mystery surrounding Blackwood Castle while pushing Silver and Blaze deeper into a situation where almost nothing is as pleasant as it first appears. Grand Comics Database
Title: Sonic the Hedgehog
Issue: #90
Series: Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW, 2018 Series)
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Release Date: September 30, 2026
Cover Price: $4.99
Writer: Evan Stanley
Pencils: Alex Forrest
Inks: Rik Mack
Colors: Iasmin Omar Ata
Letters: Ed Dukeshire
Cover Variant: Cover B
Cover Artist: Abby Bulmer
UPC: 82771401521809021 Grand Comics Database
The Abby Bulmer Cover B gives collectors an alternate presentation of issue #90 separate from Natalie Haines’ regular Cover A and Nathalie Fourdraine’s retailer-incentive cover. Cover B is a standard $4.99 variant rather than the 1:15 incentive edition, making it an accessible choice for Sonic fans who enjoy collecting alternate artwork. Grand Comics Database
Sonic the Hedgehog #90 continues the Blackwood Castle storyline with Blaze and Silver separated by very different approaches to their unusual host. Blackwood focuses his attention on Blaze, treating the princess to an elaborate tour of his estate while presenting himself as the perfect gentleman. Blaze remains outwardly diplomatic, but it becomes increasingly clear that she does not entirely trust either Blackwood or the carefully maintained world around him. Sonic City
Silver takes the more investigative route. The strangely cheerful castle staff and unusual behavior he witnessed previously give him good reason to start looking beneath the polished surface. That creates a nice balance between Blaze dealing with Blackwood directly and Silver quietly trying to determine what is actually happening inside the castle. Sonic City
The gothic setting works particularly well here. Rather than relying entirely on action, the story builds tension through suspicious behavior, political maneuvering, strange technology, and Blackwood himself. The mystery becomes increasingly uncomfortable as the issue progresses, eventually pushing Blaze and Silver toward a much more dangerous confrontation. Sonic City
Alex Forrest’s pencils and Rik Mack’s inks give Blackwood Castle the grand appearance the story needs. The enormous architecture, formal interiors, snowy surroundings, and carefully presented servants make the castle look impressive while still creating the feeling that something is very wrong underneath the surface. Sonic City
Iasmin Omar Ata’s colors help separate the colder castle environment from Blaze’s fire and Silver’s cyan psychokinetic powers. When the story moves from mystery into action, those contrasting visual effects make the characters and movement easy to follow. Sonic City
The strongest character work in Sonic the Hedgehog #90 comes from Blaze and Silver. Both realize something is wrong, but their personalities lead them toward completely different ways of dealing with it.
Blaze relies on patience, diplomacy, and her experience as a princess while dealing directly with Blackwood. Silver is more willing to follow his instincts and investigate the strange behavior around him. Their different methods occasionally create friction, but the story makes it clear that both characters are ultimately trying to protect each other and uncover the truth. Sonic City
Blackwood also continues to develop into more than a simple villain. His exaggerated politeness, obsession with his family history, and theatrical personality make him entertaining while keeping readers unsure of exactly how dangerous he may become.
Issue #90 is notable as part of IDW’s Road to #100, putting the series only ten issues away from its hundredth numbered issue. For collectors, the Abby Bulmer Cover B provides an affordable alternate cover without requiring the premium usually associated with a ratio incentive. Comicade
This is also a particularly good issue for fans of Silver and Blaze, since the story places both characters at the center rather than treating them as supporting characters.
Sonic the Hedgehog #90 delivers a strong combination of mystery, humor, character development, and action. The Blackwood Castle storyline gives Silver and Blaze plenty to do individually while continuing to develop their relationship as a team.
The gothic atmosphere helps this arc feel different from a typical Sonic adventure, and the creative team makes Blackwood’s castle both impressive and increasingly unsettling.
For Sonic readers following the Road to #100, issue #90 is an easy recommendation and leaves plenty of reason to continue into issue #91.
Rating: 8/10
Sonic the Hedgehog #90 – Abby Bulmer Cover B Variant is currently available from Razmataz Comics & Hobbies.
This Vampirella #22 comic review examines Dynamite Entertainment’s stunning Variation C cover by Shannon Maer. Published in August 2021, this Vampirella (7th Series) #22/C Comic Review – Dynamite Entertainment
This review takes a look at Vampirella (7th Series) #22/C, published by Dynamite Entertainment in August 2021. Featuring a striking Shannon Maer retailer variant cover, this issue continues Christopher Priest’s intricate and psychological take on the Daughter of Drakulon while delivering dark supernatural themes, political manipulation, and layered storytelling.
Limited retailer virgin edition featuring a highly detailed painted-style cover by Shannon Maer showcasing Vampirella in a dark atmospheric composition.
Christopher Priest continues building one of the more complex and continuity-heavy runs in modern Vampirella history. Rather than focusing strictly on horror action, Priest leans heavily into layered timelines, political conspiracies, unreliable narration, and the psychological burden carried by Vampirella herself.
Issue #22 advances several ongoing plot threads while continuing the tension surrounding Vampirella’s role as both protector and potential destroyer. Priest’s writing style rewards longtime readers, with callbacks and subtle dialogue moments adding depth to the unfolding story. The pacing is deliberate, but the issue delivers enough intrigue and supernatural conflict to maintain momentum.
Vampirella herself remains one of the strongest aspects of the series. Priest portrays her not simply as a horror icon or vampire antihero, but as a conflicted immortal struggling with responsibility, identity, and manipulation from forces around her. The issue balances internal character drama with moments of supernatural suspense and political maneuvering.
The dialogue throughout the comic feels intelligent and mature, often demanding close attention from the reader. While newer readers may occasionally feel lost due to the continuity-heavy structure, longtime fans will appreciate the depth and ambition of the storytelling.
The interior artwork by Ergün Gündüz and Marc Borstel continues the dark gothic aesthetic that defines this Vampirella run. Character expressions are sharp and emotionally detailed, helping reinforce the tension and psychological weight carried throughout the story.
The use of shadows, dramatic lighting, and muted color palettes creates an atmosphere that feels simultaneously supernatural and noir-inspired. Mohan Sivakami’s coloring work especially stands out during darker sequences, adding richness and cinematic depth to many panels.
The Shannon Maer retailer virgin variant cover is easily one of the highlights of this release. Maer’s hyper-detailed painted style gives Vampirella an almost photorealistic appearance while maintaining the seductive gothic energy fans expect from the character. The composition, lighting, and color contrast make this one of the more collectible covers from the issue’s variant lineup.
Vampirella variant covers remain highly collectible, particularly retailer incentive and virgin variants featuring popular artists like Shannon Maer. This #22/C variant has maintained interest among collectors due to both the artwork and the continuing popularity of Priest’s run on the character.
Collectors who focus on:
will likely view this issue as a desirable addition to a Vampirella collection.
Condition-sensitive collectors should pay particular attention to spine ticks and edge wear due to the dark cover design, which tends to reveal flaws more easily under direct light.
Vampirella #22/C delivers another strong chapter in Christopher Priest’s ambitious reinvention of the iconic horror heroine. While the storytelling may feel dense for casual readers, fans invested in the ongoing narrative will appreciate the layered writing, atmospheric artwork, and strong character development.
Combined with Shannon Maer’s visually stunning retailer virgin variant cover, this issue stands out as both a compelling read and a collectible modern Vampirella release.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
This Punchline #1 comic review showcases Nathan Szerdy’s stunning variant cover artwork for DC Comics’ newest villain debut. Published in January 2021, this cover represents Szerdy’s masterful interpretation of Punchline’s menacing beauty.
This Punchline #1 comic review highlights Nathan Szerdy’s exceptional cover design that perfectly captures Punchline’s unsettling charm. Szerdy’s artistic style brings a cinematic quality to the character, emphasizing both her beauty and underlying threat.
The cover pays homage to Batman: Harley Quinn #1, creating visual continuity between DC’s old and new Joker accomplices. Szerdy’s interpretation maintains the classic composition while establishing Punchline’s unique visual identity through his distinctive art style.
Nathan Szerdy’s cover work demonstrates his mastery of character portraiture and atmospheric design. His use of lighting and shadow creates dramatic depth that makes Punchline appear to leap off the cover. The color palette choices enhance the character’s psychological complexity.
Szerdy’s attention to detail in Punchline’s costume design and facial expression shows why he’s become a sought-after cover artist. His ability to convey character personality through visual storytelling makes this cover particularly compelling.
This Punchline #1 comic review reveals how Szerdy’s composition draws the viewer’s eye directly to Punchline’s face. The background elements support rather than compete with the main subject, creating a focused and impactful design.
The virgin variant removes all text elements, allowing Szerdy’s artwork to stand completely on its own. This clean presentation showcases the pure artistry without any visual distractions.
Nathan Szerdy’s variant cover adds significant collectible value to this first appearance issue. Szerdy’s growing reputation as a premier cover artist makes his variants increasingly desirable among collectors.
The limited nature of The Comic Elite exclusive virgin cover creates additional scarcity for serious variant collectors. Szerdy’s consistent quality and unique style ensure strong long-term appeal.
This cover demonstrates why Nathan Szerdy has become one of DC’s most requested cover artists. His ability to capture character essence while creating visually striking compositions sets his work apart in the competitive variant cover market.
For collectors focusing on cover art quality, Szerdy variants represent excellent investment potential due to his growing recognition and consistent artistic excellence.
This Punchline #1 comic review proves that Nathan Szerdy’s cover art elevates this first appearance issue beyond its story content. The combination of Szerdy’s artistic talent and Punchline’s debut status creates a must-have variant for cover art enthusiasts.
Therefore, this cover comes highly recommended for Nathan Szerdy collectors, variant cover enthusiasts, and anyone appreciating exceptional comic book cover artistry.
all on sale at https://razmatazcomics.com
This Faro’s Easter Edition #1 comic review showcases Jamie Tyndall’s distinctive cover artwork for this unique holiday special. Published in May 2020, this cover demonstrates Tyndall’s ability to blend seasonal themes with compelling character design.
This Faro’s Easter Edition #1 comic review reveals Jamie Tyndall’s artistic approach to Easter-themed comic covers. Tyndall’s style brings a fresh perspective to holiday comics, avoiding typical cartoonish interpretations in favor of more sophisticated visual storytelling.
The cover design showcases Tyndall’s versatility as both penciler and inker. His dual role ensures consistent artistic vision from initial sketch to final presentation, creating cohesive cover artwork that stands out in the independent comics market.
Jamie Tyndall’s artistic background demonstrates his commitment to creating memorable comic book covers. His experience in independent comics has refined his ability to capture attention in crowded marketplace environments. The Easter Edition cover represents years of artistic development culminating in this seasonal masterpiece.
Jamie Tyndall’s cover work demonstrates his mastery of seasonal atmosphere and character presentation. His line work creates dynamic energy while maintaining clear storytelling elements that immediately communicate the Easter theme to potential readers.
Tyndall’s color choices and composition techniques show his deep understanding of cover design principles. The artwork balances thematic elements with visual impact, creating a cover that works both as standalone art and as effective comic book marketing material.
The artist’s attention to detail in costume design and background elements reveals his commitment to creating covers that reward close examination. Every visual element serves both aesthetic and narrative purposes, demonstrating Tyndall’s sophisticated approach to cover illustration.
His use of lighting and shadow creates depth and dimension that makes the cover artwork pop from comic book shelves. This technical proficiency combined with creative vision establishes Tyndall as a significant talent in independent comic cover art.
This Faro’s Easter Edition #1 comic review highlights how independent artists like Jamie Tyndall can create covers that rival mainstream publisher artwork. Tyndall’s creative freedom shows in his bold artistic choices and unique interpretation of holiday themes.
The cover represents the artistic quality that independent publishers like Faro’s Lounge can achieve when working with talented cover artists. Independent comics often provide artists with more creative control, allowing for innovative approaches that might not be approved by larger publishers.
Tyndall’s work on this cover demonstrates the advantages of independent comic creation. Without corporate oversight limiting artistic expression, Tyndall can explore unique visual concepts that make this Easter Edition cover truly distinctive in the marketplace.
Jamie Tyndall’s composition draws viewers into the Easter theme while maintaining comic book cover conventions. His artistic choices create immediate visual recognition of both the holiday theme and the comic’s independent publisher origin.
The cover artwork demonstrates Tyndall’s ability to create memorable imagery that serves both artistic and commercial purposes. This dual functionality represents essential skills for successful comic cover design in today’s competitive market.
Tyndall’s design philosophy appears to emphasize clarity of communication combined with artistic sophistication. The cover immediately conveys its Easter theme while also suggesting the quality of artwork readers can expect inside the comic book.
His compositional choices guide the viewer’s eye through the cover elements in a deliberate sequence. This careful attention to visual flow demonstrates Tyndall’s understanding of how covers function as both art and advertising.
The Easter Edition cover connects to the broader tradition of holiday-themed comic book covers. Tyndall’s interpretation respects this tradition while bringing contemporary artistic sensibilities to the seasonal comic format.
Holiday covers present unique challenges for comic book artists. They must balance seasonal imagery with character design and story elements. Tyndall’s success in meeting these challenges shows his versatility as a cover artist.
The cover demonstrates how modern independent artists can revitalize classic comic book traditions. Tyndall’s fresh approach to Easter imagery creates a cover that feels both timeless and contemporary.
This Faro’s Easter Edition #1 comic review emphasizes the collectible potential of Jamie Tyndall’s cover artwork. Independent artist covers often become sought-after collectibles due to limited print runs and unique artistic perspectives.
Tyndall’s growing recognition in independent comics makes his cover work increasingly valuable for collectors focusing on emerging artistic talent. The combination of holiday theme and limited availability creates multiple collecting angles for this cover.
The cover’s artistic merit alone justifies its collectible status. Tyndall’s technical skill and creative vision produce artwork that transcends its commercial comic book origins to become genuine artistic expression.
Cover art collectors increasingly recognize the value of supporting independent artists like Tyndall. These covers often represent artists at crucial career moments, making them potentially significant for long-term collecting strategies.
This Faro’s Easter Edition #1 comic review demonstrates Jamie Tyndall’s exceptional skill in creating memorable holiday-themed cover art. The combination of Tyndall’s artistic talent, the unique Easter concept, and the independent comics context makes this a standout piece for cover art enthusiasts.
The cover succeeds on multiple levels: as effective marketing material, as artistic expression, and as collectible comic book art. Tyndall’s work represents the best of independent comic cover creation, combining professional quality with creative freedom.
Therefore, this cover comes highly recommended for collectors interested in independent comic art, holiday-themed covers, and emerging artistic talent. Jamie Tyndall’s Easter Edition cover demonstrates why independent comics continue to push creative boundaries in cover art design.
This Faro’s Easter Edition #1 comic review demonstrates the creative potential of independent holiday comics. Jamie Tyndall’s dual role as writer and artist creates a unified creative vision that larger publisher committees often struggle to achieve.
Therefore, this issue comes recommended for collectors interested in independent comics, holiday-themed stories, and supporting smaller publishers in the comics industry.
all on sale at https://razmatazcomics.com