X-Force (2019) #34–38

 X-Force (2019) #34–38

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Issue #34: "The Hunt for XENO"

X-Force, led by Beast, intensifies its pursuit of the anti-mutant organization XENO. The team uncovers a series of clandestine operations orchestrated by XENO, revealing the organization's deep-seated animosity towards mutants. As tensions escalate, internal conflicts within X-Force emerge, particularly concerning Beast's increasingly ruthless methods.

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Issue #35: "Betrayal Within"

The team's mission is compromised when a trusted ally is revealed to be a double agent working for XENO. This betrayal forces X-Force to question their security protocols and the loyalty of their members. The revelation strains relationships within the team, especially between Beast and Wolverine, who clash over leadership and ethical boundaries.

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Issue #36: "The Peacock Tattoo"

X-Force delves deeper into XENO's hierarchy, uncovering the enigmatic figure known as the Man with the Peacock Tattoo. Their investigation leads them to a remote facility where horrific experiments on mutants are being conducted. The team is horrified by the extent of XENO's cruelty, strengthening their resolve to dismantle the organization.

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Issue #37: "Ethical Dilemmas"

Beast's unorthodox strategies, including the use of lethal force and manipulation, cause a rift within X-Force. Members like Jean Grey and Sage express concerns over the moral implications of their actions. The team grapples with the balance between ensuring Krakoa's safety and maintaining their ethical standards.

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Issue #38: "Confrontation and Consequences"

The arc culminates in a direct confrontation between X-Force and the leadership of XENO. The battle is intense, with significant casualties on both sides. In the aftermath, the team reflects on the cost of their mission, the moral compromises they've made, and the future direction of X-Force under Beast's contentious leadership.

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Thematic Exploration

This arc delves into the ethical complexities of preemptive defense and the moral ambiguity of X-Force's operations. It examines the consequences of adopting ruthless tactics to protect a nation, highlighting the internal conflicts that arise when safeguarding one's own people leads to actions that mirror those of their adversaries. The storyline challenges the characters to reflect on the fine line between protector and aggressor, questioning the true cost of security.

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Wolverine (2020) #26–30

 Wolverine (2020) #26–30

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Issue #26: "The Beast Agenda: The Off Days"

Wolverine, serving as Krakoa's primary weapon, is often deployed by Beast (Henry McCoy) for covert operations. In this issue, Beast assigns Logan a mission that leads him down a startling path, prompting him to question Beast's true intentions and the ethical implications of his actions.

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Issue #27: "The Beast Agenda: Skulls"

As Logan delves deeper into Beast's clandestine activities, he uncovers a series of morally ambiguous decisions made in the name of Krakoa's security. The tension between Wolverine and Beast escalates, highlighting the growing rift between them and raising questions about loyalty and the cost of safety.

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Issue #28: "The Beast Agenda: Savage"

Wolverine confronts Beast directly, challenging his methods and the secrecy surrounding his operations. The confrontation leads to a physical and ideological clash, forcing both characters to reevaluate their roles within Krakoa and the lengths they're willing to go to protect their mutant nation.

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Issue #29: "The Beast Agenda: The Mind Garden"

In the aftermath of their confrontation, Logan seeks solace and clarity in the Mind Garden, reflecting on his past actions and the manipulation he's endured. This introspective journey allows Wolverine to gain a deeper understanding of himself and the influence Beast has exerted over him.

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Issue #30: "The Beast Agenda: Beast Must Die"

Determined to put an end to Beast's machinations, Wolverine embarks on a mission to stop him once and for all. The culmination of their conflict forces both characters to confront the consequences of their actions, leading to a resolution that will have lasting implications for their relationship and Krakoa's future.

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Thematic Exploration

This arc delves into themes of trust, autonomy, and the moral complexities of leadership. Wolverine's journey highlights the tension between following orders and maintaining personal integrity, especially when those orders come from a trusted ally whose methods become increasingly questionable. The storyline challenges the characters to confront the ethical boundaries of their actions in the pursuit of security, emphasizing the importance of transparency and the dangers of unchecked authority.

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New Mutants (2019) #29–33

New Mutants (2019) #29–33

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Issue #29: "Fights and Feelings"

Gabby (Honey Badger) and Karma go missing, prompting Daken and Warpath to set off on a mission to find them. Both characters grapple with guilt over past failures—Daken for not protecting Gabby from the Shadow King, and Warpath for struggling to connect with his resurrected brother, John Proudstar. Their journey is as much about self-reflection as it is about rescuing their friends.

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Issue #30: "Still Classic"

A special 40th-anniversary issue features several short stories celebrating the New Mutants' history. Through vignettes, the series reflects on their evolution as a team, exploring personal struggles, triumphs, and the legacy they've built over the decades.

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Issue #31: "Part One: Fate & Consequences"

Shela Sexton, aka Escapade, reluctantly arrives on Krakoa, driven by a desire to prevent her best friend, Morgan Red, from dying in the near future. As Escapade integrates into the New Mutants, she faces tension with her new allies while a dangerous mission looms that will challenge her newfound sense of belonging.

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Issue #32: "Part Two: Swap Out"

The New Mutants battle the U-Men, who are harvesting mutant organs for power. Escapade's unique abilities play a crucial role in the fight, but her lack of confidence and fear of losing control jeopardize the mission. Tensions rise within the team as they wrestle with the stakes of their confrontation.

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Issue #33: "Part Three: Let it Burn"

The climactic showdown against the U-Men pushes the New Mutants to their limits. Escapade faces off against Sublime, who seeks to steal her powers for himself. In the end, the team’s unity and Escapade's growing confidence save the day, as they solidify their bond through shared triumph and struggle.

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Thematic Exploration

These issues explore themes of belonging, growth, and resilience. The integration of Escapade into the New Mutants reflects the importance of acceptance and forging trust in a new community. At the same time, long-standing characters like Daken and Warpath grapple with guilt and personal redemption, showing that even experienced heroes continue to evolve. The team's battle against the U-Men highlights the strength found in unity and the courage required to face morally complex challenges together.

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Fantastic Four (2018) #47 and #48

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Issue #47: "The Taking of Baxter 1-2-3-4 Part One"

As a tie-in to the A.X.E.: Judgment Day event, this issue begins with Reed Richards isolating himself in his Think Tank, seeking solutions to the looming judgment over the Marvel Universe. During this vulnerable time, Oubliette Midas, also known as the Exterminatrix, seizes the opportunity to infiltrate the Baxter Building. She sets a series of deadly traps, systematically incapacitating members of the Fantastic Four. The narrative focuses on the team's struggle against these meticulously planned assaults, highlighting their resilience and unity in the face of orchestrated chaos.

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Issue #48: "The Taking of Baxter 1-2-3-4 Part Two: Invisible Women"

Continuing directly from the previous issue, the spotlight shifts to the Invisible Woman, Sue Storm. Trapped alone within the Baxter Building, Sue must navigate 35 floors rigged with lethal traps set by Oubliette Midas. Her mission is to reach and rescue her husband, Reed Richards, who is at risk of becoming a pawn in Oubliette's interdimensional war schemes. The issue showcases Sue's determination, intelligence, and combat prowess as she confronts Oubliette. Simultaneously, the Thing and the Human Torch endeavor to free themselves from Oubliette's machinations. The climax underscores the team's unyielding spirit and their commitment to protecting one another, even under dire circumstances

Takeaway

The thematic heart of Fantastic Four #47–48 lies in showcasing Sue Storm's evolution into the team’s unsung leader and protector, while also reinforcing the importance of unity, resilience, and personal agency in the face of overwhelming odds. These issues serve as a fitting prelude to the finale of this long-running volume by re-centering the Fantastic Four's core values: family, ingenuity, and hope.

Fantastic Four (2018) #48 is the final issue of this volume. The series, which began in August 2018, concluded with this issue in October 2022. This finale wraps up the ongoing storylines and sets the stage for future adventures of Marvel's First Family.

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Venom (2021) #11–16

Venom (2021) #11–16

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Issue #11: "Venomworld Part One"

Dylan Brock, the current host of the Venom symbiote, finds himself pursued by a new and formidable adversary known as Bedlam. As he grapples with this threat, Dylan is also on a quest to uncover the whereabouts of his father, Eddie Brock, the original Venom. The issue delves into Dylan's internal struggle, balancing his emerging powers with the legacy of his father, all while evading those who seek to control or destroy him.

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Issue #12: "Venomworld Part Two"

The narrative intensifies as Dylan's confrontation with Bedlam reaches a critical point. Amidst the chaos, Dylan uncovers startling revelations about his father's fate and the complex web of symbiote politics. The issue explores themes of identity and legacy, highlighting Dylan's determination to forge his own path while honoring his father's influence.

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Issue #13: "Devil's Night"

As the Dark Web crossover event begins, the focus shifts to Eddie Brock, who has been manipulated into becoming a demonic entity known as Bedlam. Under the influence of dark forces, Eddie's actions pose a significant threat to those he once protected. The issue examines Eddie's internal torment and the external consequences of his transformation, setting the stage for a father-son confrontation.

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Issue #14: "Dark Web Tie-In"

Dylan, now aware of his father's corrupted state, prepares to confront Bedlam. With the assistance of allies, including Ms. Marvel, he devises a plan to free Eddie from demonic control. The issue balances action with emotional depth, as Dylan grapples with the possibility of harming his father to save him.

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Issue #15: "Dark Web Tie-In"

The climactic battle between Dylan and Bedlam unfolds, with both physical and psychological stakes at play. Dylan's resolve is tested as he confronts the demonic manifestation of his father, striving to reach the man beneath the monster. The issue emphasizes the strength of familial bonds and the resilience required to overcome internal and external demons.

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Issue #16: "Dark Web Tie-In"

With the truth about Eddie Brock, Bedlam, and the Garden of Time revealed, Eddie must move heaven, earth, space, and time to get back to his son. However, his greatest fears are on the verge of being realized, as Dylan may still succumb to the darkness within him.

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Thematic Exploration

This arc delves into the complexities of the father-son relationship between Eddie and Dylan Brock, set against the backdrop of symbiote mythology and the supernatural elements introduced in the Dark Web event. Themes of identity, legacy, and redemption are central, as both characters navigate their intertwined destinies while confronting internal and external adversaries.

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Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1

Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 marks the beginning of an ambitious four-part Western epic set during America’s westward expansion in the Civil War era. As director, co-writer, and star, Costner aims to capture the human stories and sweeping landscapes of a transformative time in U.S. history.

The film intertwines several storylines, each reflecting the struggles and triumphs of those who sought to forge a new life on the frontier. One arc follows settlers grappling with harsh terrain and conflicts with Indigenous tribes, while another centers on a lone gunslinger (played by Costner) who aids a woman in distress (Sienna Miller). A third narrative involves a wagon train’s treacherous journey across the untamed wilderness. Together, these tales paint a picture of resilience, betrayal, and survival amid the chaos of expansion.

Costner’s love for the Western genre is evident in the film’s stunning cinematography. The vast landscapes are beautifully shot, emphasizing the grandeur and danger of the Old West. However, while the visuals shine, the pacing and character development falter. The sprawling plot occasionally feels disjointed, with some storylines and characters underdeveloped.

Critical Reception

Critics are divided on Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1.

• The Positive:
  Screen Rant praised the film’s "breathtaking" visuals and noted its success as a "grand Western spectacle." Similarly, GamesRadar+ called it "an absorbing ride into the Old West," commending Costner’s attention to detail and deliberate pacing. These reviews highlight the film’s strengths as a visually rich and nostalgic ode to classic Westerns.

• The Negative:
  On the other hand, some critics found fault with its narrative execution. The BBC described the film as "a numbingly long, incoherent disaster," citing fragmented storytelling and a lack of focus. The Independent likened it to "a three-hour ride around a western theme park," appealing to genre enthusiasts but lacking substance for broader audiences.

Box Office Performance

The film grossed approximately $38.2 million globally, a modest figure given its budget and ambition. While this may reflect mixed audience reception, it also underscores Costner’s dedication to creating a passion project rather than chasing blockbuster success.

Final Thoughts

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 is a visual spectacle that showcases Kevin Costner’s commitment to the Western genre. However, its ambitious scope sometimes undermines its narrative clarity, leaving viewers with a beautiful yet uneven experience. Fans of epic Westerns and historical dramas may appreciate its grandeur, while others might find it an overlong journey through familiar territory.

Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #9–14

Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #9–14:

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Issue #9: "Hellfire Gala Tie-In"

Peter Parker is reluctantly pulled into the X-Men's Hellfire Gala when Mary Jane Watson, now romantically involved with Moira MacTaggert, is used as leverage in Moira's latest scheme. Teaming up with Wolverine, Spider-Man must navigate the opulent but dangerous Gala, balancing political intrigue and superheroics. The issue highlights Peter’s lingering feelings for MJ and sets up further tension between the two. (Marvel Link)

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Issue #10: "A.X.E.: Judgment Day Tie-In"

As the Progenitor Celestial begins judging humanity during the A.X.E.: Judgment Day event, Peter is confronted by a haunting vision of Gwen Stacy. The Celestial forces Peter to relive one of his most traumatic moments, questioning his decisions and his worth as a hero. This introspective issue explores Peter’s sense of guilt and his struggle to reconcile his failures with his unrelenting desire to do good.

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Issue #11: "The Return of the Hobgoblin Part 1"

Roderick Kingsley and Ned Leeds, two men connected to the Hobgoblin identity, resurface in Peter's life, setting off a mystery that quickly turns dangerous. As Peter navigates the reappearance of old enemies, Norman Osborn, now cleansed of his sins, offers to help. Peter’s growing distrust of Norman adds complexity to the story, as the tension between redemption and past sins comes into focus.

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Issue #12: "The Return of the Hobgoblin Part 2"

Peter faces two Hobgoblins in a chaotic battle that reveals the depth of manipulation and deceit driving the plot. As the mystery deepens, Norman Osborn provides Peter with technological assistance, including a prototype glider. The uneasy alliance between Spider-Man and Osborn is tested as Peter tries to unravel the tangled web of lies and identities tied to the Hobgoblin.

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Issue #13: "The Battle for Redemption"

The Hobgoblin storyline reaches its climactic showdown, with Spider-Man teaming up with Norman Osborn to take on both Roderick Kingsley and Ned Leeds. The action-packed issue highlights Peter’s ingenuity and his struggle to trust Norman, even as Osborn demonstrates genuine efforts to atone for his past. The resolution leaves Peter questioning whether true redemption is possible for someone like Norman.

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Issue #14: "Dark Web Prelude"

Ben Reilly, now known as Chasm, teams up with Madelyne Pryor, the Goblin Queen, as they prepare to unleash chaos on New York City. The issue delves into Ben's fractured psyche, shaped by feelings of abandonment and betrayal after his memories were tampered with. This prelude to the Dark Web event sets up an eerie and emotionally charged confrontation between Peter and his clone.

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Thematic Exploration

This arc blends Peter's ongoing battles with personal growth, redemption, and forgiveness. The return of the Hobgoblin and Norman Osborn’s attempt to prove he’s changed present compelling moral dilemmas. Meanwhile, the prelude to Dark Web brings Peter’s past back to haunt him through Ben Reilly, raising questions about identity and the consequences of trauma.

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