Violent Ends and Beginnings--"The Power Fantasy," #16 and, "The Punisher," #1 (2026)

Two comics came out this week. One isn't completely ending so much as taking a break for a bit after an epic 16-issue run (so far). It is the superb series known as, "The Power Fantasy," which I have often expressed fondness for on this blog (Image publishes it). Another series is a fresh-ish start, "The Punisher," #1--the latest relaunch of Frank Castle's vigilante identity. Both comics show the impetus and downfalls brought about by violence--either on a worldwide or relatively small and personal scale. One features people where the idea of having a superpower means they could single-handedly destroy the planet, with the fact a handful of individuals more powerful than 100 atomic bombs hold each other in check being the only reason our planet as survivied. The other comic features a single man who exists in a World of powered beings, overshadowed by metal claws, flying, laser beams, and so forth, but he still persists in his compulsory urge to, "Fight," crime in a brutally violent manner. Both comics examine the hollow reward of violence, just with differing stakes. Let's discuss.

"The Power Fantasy," has been quite the read. The World as we know it was the same until the first atomic bomb test gave birth to a literal angel on Earth. From there, other beings with powers that could utterly wreck our planet emerged, with only the risk of Mutually Assured Destruction keeping things from getting out of hand. That said, with the last handful of issues...things really got out of hand. Some characters died, the balance was thrown off, and this issue opens with Earth barely escaping ruin...before (spoiler alert) it all blows up anyway, and the one surviving being who witnesses it from the Moon goes back to early in the story to try and fix things. It almost should feel like a cheat to say, "Hey, let's have a re-do," but from the very start, writer Kieron Gillen told us if any of these characters ever did let loose, it would literally end Earth...and he and artist Caspar Wijngaard made good on that promise this issue. 

Gillen admits in some backmatter of the comic that he debated ending things here, with a sad-yet-kinda-hopeful note, but it was decided to take a little break and come back with more later in 2026. I, personally, am glad he and Wijngaard want to do more, because this is such a great comic. A series where the whole point is, "Nobody can fight or everybody dies," sounds dull, but this book has been anything but, and hey, we got some fighting finally, and the end result of, "Everybody dies," did indeed occur. 

People with the ability to end all life on Earth if they decided to resort to fisticuffs is a scary thought to the degree that the idea of one man roaming around New York City killing criminals he deems, "Dangerous," sounds a lot less frightening, yet the latest relaunch of, "The Punisher," manages to fill the reader with dread and comment on how in some ways Frank Castle being a mere mortal who manages to make an impact in a World full of gods, mutants, and so forth is itself astonishing. Yes, the, "The Punisher: Red Band," mini-series was a hit that brought Frank Castle back to our reality after his last, "The Punisher," series, where he led the Hand (for some reason) was critically panned, hated by readers, and ended with him going to another dimension. In the five-issue mini, it is addressed how he came back (the reason isn't given and can probably be glossed over anyway) and found himself under the influence of the Kingpin due to a mind control chip that really messed him up. 

Anything you need to know about Frank Castle/the Punisher is covered in this issue, so don't worry if you skipped the, "The Punisher: Red Band," mini, even though with this having the same creative team of Benjamin Percy and José Luis Soares Pinto, it flows into this new ongoing well. Frank's returned, and it is back-to-basics as he tears through the criminal underground. We see one reporter trying to cover it, but she's told he's of little interest when the news should focus on superheroes. The idea of Frank being, "Just," a human despite everything he's been through in the Marvel Universe (and depending on what stories you think count, there were times he's been fighting literal demons or turned into a Frankenstein's monster-style creature) is examined heavily in this debut. After all these years and attempts at continuity tweaks, the heart remains the same--he keeps persisting due to a single-minded mission of killing the killers. Castle even knows it's a lost cause and brings no reward, but he just can't stop because there is nothing else for him.

We had a comic this week where the main characters could not be violent without mass death, and a comic where the protagonist knows only violence. Both books illustrate the pointlessness of brutality while reveling in it for readers to enjoy the snazzy artwork of Earth going, "Boom," or anyone who gets in Frank's way exploding into a pile of bloody viscera due to his bullets. A story scolding us for enjoying the very thing it provides is not a new concept, of course, but it is fun to compare and contrast these two comics and their approach to, "Might makes right, or wrong. Very, very wrong." That both comics are fantastic reads helps too. This week, we read a comic where Earth ends savagely in, 'The Power Fantasy," #16, before a hopeful reboot/rebirth. Within this week, we also got the debut of the latest volume of the story of a man who will never know happiness as long as Marvel keeps putting out comics about the fellow, as his being at peace would defy the foundation of his characterization. Just as one violence ends, another begins--so goes the entirety of human existence.

The New, "Wolverine," Game is Due This Fall

For quite some time (announced in 2021 and then there was a 2023 hack/leak of early game elements), we've been aware of a, "Marvel's Wolverine,' video-game in development from Insomniac Games. Well, it is finally ready to be released on September 15th, 2026. That gives it just enough breathing room from another big title due in November (GTA VI), and if the officially released material is to be believed, this could be a fun romp! 

Going right for that, "Mature," rating, you can expect plenty of blood from Wolverine ripping up enemies but there is also an intriguing plot taking advantage of how Wolverine/Logan's gaps in his memory result in his being an unreliable narrator of the game's story, to a degree. Exclusive to the PlaytStation 5, I look forward to trying, "Marvel's Wolverine," out for myself via checking it out from the library or renting it from Vintage Stock (I almost always sample games before ever committing to buying them due to how expensive they are). Between this and GTA VI, it should be a fun Fall for gamers!

The Cherry Float Coke Zero Flavor is Pleasant but Overly Familiar

I love Coca-Cola. I switched to the zero-sugar version to reduce my calories a bit, but thankfully, many of the specialty flavors are available in regular and diet/zero/etc. There is a new cherry float Coke Zero, and it is good! That said, it isn't that different from if you had mixed cherry Coke and vanilla Coke together--do they still do Vanilla Coke? There is the crispness of Coke and a dash of cherry and vanilla--it is nice, but has a vibe like, "Well, we've been here before." That isn't a bad thing, as sometimes Coke has tried some very esoteric flavors that were, simply put, bad. If you enjoy Coke, like its most popular flavor variations, and think mixing the two together sounds appealing...then the cherry float Coke/Coke Zero is for you! Just don't expect anything too exciting or different.

3 out of 5 Stars.

Music Mondays: "Choosin' Texas," is a Country Song...and I Really Like it!

I can generally count on one hand the number of (modern) country music artists I enjoy. You've got Garth Brooks, the Chicks (formerly Dixie), Trace Adkins, Kacey Musgraves, and I guess my pinky finger can now be used to signify an affinity for Ella Langley's jams. I was listening to a radio station that plays various genres of popular music, and I heard, "Choosin' Texas." I was about to change the dial due to not being big on country, but...I liked it! Give it a listen:

Yes, "Choosin' Texas," is the first single off of Langley's second LP, and it is really catchy. The tune basically is about how Langley has a man who seems to like her, but now he's apparently finding himself attracted to a woman from Texas. There are lots of metaphors about cowboys, and it is peppy in its sound, but it has a clear tinge of sadness about everything going on. I really dig it and will be exploring Langley's discography further now!

"1490 Doom," Looks Like a Fun Tabletop Game

I have friends who play tabletop games like, "Warhammer," or such. They spend hours painting miniatures, designing massive and complex battlefields, and then engaging in big ol' fights full of rules. It sounds fun, but it is also insanely imposing to consider trying to learn/play/etc. Hence, I was intrigued by this article at the AV Club from Cameron Kunzelman discussing, "1490 Doom." It involves just a few minatures, does not require too large a space to play with (and you can be as detailed or laid-back in preparing the landscape as you want), and the games go by quickly as opposed to taking an eon. 

Minimal setup and easy rules that allow people to just dive in and play make for an appealing prospect. I also like reading how, "What takes the game over the top is that it is pretty specifically geared toward getting you, the player, to engage in some creation yourself. There are official 3D printable miniatures for the game, but it seems like the vast majority of players will source their own miniatures by either crafting them or grabbing what they like from other games. This creates a strong baseline for creativity," and being able to experiment and be creative always is more fun with any kind of game than boring and rigid rules. Seriously, raise your hand if you've ever tweaked even the most old-school board game like, "Monopoly," in various ways to spice things up. I haven't really ever played a tabletop game with minatures, despite the insistence of my friends that I should try them. That said, something like, "1490 Doom," sounds, in fact, doable compared to the more intricate games out there. I may try to explore it further in the future, that's for sure! Oh, and here is a link to the game's official website for those wanting to learn more as well.

What's Up with the Xbox?

Hey, you know the Xbox? It is pretty popular in all its forms, but lately has struggled to succeed as much. Well, the Xbox division of Microsoft is having a huge shake-up. To summarize, "Microsoft gaming CEO Phil Spencer's retiring, his assumed replacement and Xbox president Sarah Bond has resigned, and the suit now being tapped to take over Spenny's gig currently has the following job title: president of Microsoft’s CoreAI product." Well, that's interesting. It is a new era with Microsoft Gaming's new CEO, Asha Sharma, assuming control with the promise that Microsoft isn't giving up on the Xbox as a brand or has plans to force, "AI Slop," upon us. The Xbox isn't dead, although some have called it as much.

To return to my headline, "What's up with the Xbox?" Do you need one, really, anymore? A lot of Xbox games are going over to Nintendo and Sony devices, as well. Rebranded PCs are little handheld Xboxes, and so forth. You don't need an Xbox to play so-called, "Xbox," games...so, why? I mean, if you love the exceedingly expensive Game Pass, I can see how that can be handy for trying out games you don't get to ever actually, "Own," without plopping down more cash. I did enjoy the Game Pass, but I gave up on it with the wild price increases.  Will Sharma be able to bring us a bright new era of Xbox, or is this the first bell ringing out in the cemetery to mark the funeral procession? That's a messy metaphor, but its fitting considering how much of a mess this all seems to be. The people expected to take over Xbox in the near future are out, some random AI exec, few seem to have heard of in regard to video-games is in, and I haven't even mentioned the new AI head will be working quite closely with Sharma (a bit worrisome for promises of avoiding AI slop), and is named Matt Booty. Yes, I giggled the first time I read his name.

New CEO, Asha Sharma

The Xbox has an unclear future despite claims otherwise. I see a lot of buzzwords and flowery language, but bragging about AI integration or promising a bright new future with a, "Reinvention of play," can end up ringing hollow if not backed up by clearly evident action--and hopefully action with a positive impact. Clearly, 2026 is going to be an interesting year for the Xbox as we know it, and that's an understatement!

Robert Kirman and Friends Announce, "Terminal," from Skybound

Robert Kirkman is a notable name at Image and the head of its imprint, Skybound. When he announces a new comic it tends to be a big deal because while some have gotten barely any buzz ("Firepower"), others have been huge hits that spawned multimedia empires ("The Walking Dead," "Invincible," and such). Therefore, it is newsworthy that Kirkman and a number of talents are bringing us, "Terminal," this Summer. It involves, "There is a secret war being waged across the world by two violent forces with superhuman abilities who blur the lines between good and evil. When Marilyn Howe’s search for her missing sister Alessandra puts her in the center of this conflict, she’ll learn that the power to save the world comes from unlocking your genetic code and giving up everything you thought you knew about yourself…if you survive the experience." Sounds fun!

Kirman and Joe Casey will be co-writing this new series with Andy Kubert, David Finch, and Arthur Adams on art, plus colorist Dave McCaig, and letterer Rus Wooten.  That's an impressive lineup, and the first issue is set to hit shops this July with this mash-up of ideas evoking, "Invincible," and, "X-Men," in a new Universe. Oh, and yes, there will be blind bag variant covers because you know that trend has turned into a metaphorical dead horse the industry can't stop beating. Kirkman knows how to write a good comic, blind bag or not, and Joe Casey does too. Plus, with such artistic talent involved, I imagine whether this becomes a hit or is, "Just," a lovely read, it'll be fun.

The ComicsPro Annual Meeting for 2026 Had Oni Doing a Clever Promotion for the, "MIND MGMT," Series

Matt Kindt is a great comic creator and a friend of the blog. He was behind the popular and cool series, "MIND MGMT," and it  seems a, "New & Improved," version/series is coming soon. This was promoted at the big ComicsPro 2026 annual event in a clever way. As opposed to being announced at a panel as some upcoming comics were, attendees woke up to notice a flyer slide into the room via their hotel doors--not unlike how hotels used to slide a little bill under there before the rise of the internet. It had a phone number you could call for a, "Test," that then sent you a text with a link to a promotional website. 

Eventually, visitors will find the promotion for, "MIND MGMT: New & Improved," due to be released in June via Oni (it used to be published by Dark Horse). To add to the intrigue, a bunch if billboard trucks were driving around outside the event with little animated signs about calling the number. It is a quirky and clever way to promote the new comic! ComicsPro's annual meeting has grown into quite the affair for comic retailers that brings in publishers, distributors, and more. It's not a convention so much as an industry event, but it clearly has an impact and shows how ComicsPro is itself an important organization.

Advance Review: "Pantheon: The Elemental Artifact," Volume 1 Presents a Intricate Mix of Mythologies in an Original Fashion

Mohsen Ashraf is the writer behind, "Pantheon: The Elemental Artifact." He reached out to me about how the collected first volume will be for sale this March, and he was hoping I'd check out the comic he created with Willi Roberts on art. Having given it a read, I really enjoyed the book! It cleverly takes a variety of real-life myths from Norse, Greco-Roman, and Mesopotamian cultures and gives us a story of people in modern times grappling with these past tales-made-manifest. From secret offspring of Odin to beasts of fable fighting, a lot of wild stuff occurs.

Volume 1 has a number of powerful archaeological objects that play a big role--along with the people wanting to acquire them. Willi Roberts is a great artist, whether he's drawing everyday life in the modern day or more surreal creations, such as a hideously creepy mermaid. Ashraf and Roberts make a stellar team, and it keeps the entire first volume engaging and exciting.

I'd encourage anyone who enjoys new spins on old tales to check out this first volume of, "Pantheon: The Elemental Artifact." You can preorder a copy and give it a read this March! I am excited for future volumes as well, and thank Mohsen Ashraf for reaching out and making me aware of his book! I eagerly rate this 5 out of 5 stars.

Television Tuesday: Stephen Colbert Has More of a Metaphorical Spine Than All of the GOP

Some Republican politicians seem to say off the record they're disgusted with Trump and don't approve of a number of his methods/the things he says/etc. Almost none ever are public with feeling he is a fascist idiot, however. The man successfully hijacked the GOP and turned it into the cult of Trump while alienating or eliminating anyone who dared to question him. Stephen Colbert is not a politician, but Trump has cost him a lot (despite what CBS claims, his show's upcoming cancellation is most assuredly related to how Colbert upsets Trump with his pointed criticism). That hasn't stopped Colbert from repeatedly speaking truth to power, and he just did so again. CBS told him he could not air an interview with James Talarico--a man running for the Senate in Texas, due to concerns about, "Equal time," rules that don't even impact talk shows...although with the FCC  and its head, Brendan Carr, doing whatever Trump pleases, suddenly anyone who earns his scorn gets extra, extra scurtunity. 

Colbert was told to not talk about all this, so of course he discussed it on his show, and made it clear that, "Donald Trump’s administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV, because all Trump does is watch TV, okay? He’s like a toddler with too much screen time; he gets cranky and drops a load in his diaper. So, it’s no surprise that two of the people most affected by this threat are me and my friend Jimmy Kimmel." CBS claims it only offered legal guidance, but I know who I believe in this situation. It continues to be alarming how the Trump administration wants to silence any dissent, from anyone. Trump's own party won't put him in check, and many Democrats are hapless, so here we are. A talk show host has bigger metaphorical balls than the entirety of the Republican party.