February 2021

Review - Jim Cornette Presents: Behind the Curtain

Jim Cornette Behind the Curtain Review: 7 Shocking Secrets

16th February 2026

Jim Cornette Behind the Curtain Review: Wrestling’s Twilight Zone   INTRODUCTION: The Docu-Comic of the Century Welcome to our Jim Cornette Behind the Curtain Review. This illustrated docu-comic explores the golden age of professional wrestling. Specifically, it focuses on the “veil of commitment” that kept the industry alive. Presented by Jim Cornette, the book feels like a wrestling version of The Twilight Zone. While it looks like a superhero comic, these stories are real. They feature high-risk stakes and high-intensity drama. Prepare to get slammed into the squared circle with this fascinating IDW release. STORY: Kayfabe and the Montreal Screwjob In this Jim Cornette Behind the Curtain Review, we dive into the mind of a notorious wrestling businessman. Cornette knows his history. He tours the reader through the backstories of wrestling’s greatest “works.” He even includes his own involvement in the infamous Montreal Screwjob. As a diehard fan, I found the telling of these stories 100% factually accurate. The book effectively slams the “wrestling is fake” belief to the mat. Cornette argues that wrestling is a circus of sport, theatre, and psychological manipulation. Because the internet has torn down the walls of kayfabe, this look at the “locker room law” of the past is essential reading. ART: Superhuman Proportions and Eerie Eyes Denis Medri’s artwork is a standout point of this Jim Cornette Behind the Curtain Review. Medri presents wrestlers with unrealistic proportions. For example, Ric Flair looks like a Goliath. However, this style beautifully represents how fans remember their childhood icons. The art cements human legends as superhuman superstars. That being said, the eyes are somewhat unsettling. Cornette narrates the action like Rod Serling, breaking the fourth wall as the history unfolds around him. VERDICT: The Final Jim Cornette Behind the Curtain Review Overall, Jim Cornette’s history of wrestling is fully engaging. You will love it whether you are a wrestling fan or not. I am gobsmacked that Hollywood hasn’t picked up these stories yet. They change the world of storytelling forever. Accuracy: 10/10 Art Style: 8/10 Verdict: A Main Event stunner. Check out more of our reviews: Watchmen Review: 5 Reasons It Is A Masterpiece Review – Swamp Thing: The Root of All Evil Ready to step behind the curtain? Buy Jim Cornette Presents on Amazon.

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shazam! (2019)

Shazam Movie 2019 Review: A Fun But Flawed DC Adventure

16th February 2026

Shazam Movie 2019 Review: A Fun But Flawed DC Adventure   INTRODUCTION: A New Direction for DC Welcome to our Shazam Movie 2019 Review. Usually, I know the source material of superhero movies very well. However, Shazam was an exception. Aside from the famous copyright battles between Marvel and DC, I knew very little about the character. Watching this film for review, I enjoyed many aspects, but it definitely falls short in specific areas. Interestingly, the movie marks a shift in the DCEU. DC finally dropped the dour tone of the Zack Snyder era. Instead, they embraced a “fun factor” that started right here. STORY: The Balance of Comedy and Action In this Shazam Movie 2019 Review, we look at how the film prioritizes family lessons over massive action. Zachary Levi shines in the titular role. His chemistry with Jack Dylan Grazer is a massive highlight. Levi perfectly captures the wonder of a teenage boy in a hero’s body. Mark Strong also does a great job “hamming it up” as the villain, Dr. Sivana. However, don’t expect mind-blowing action scenes on par with the MCU. Billy Batson is an untrained kid. Consequently, the fights feel smaller and more personal. While this makes sense for the plot, I felt slightly unfulfilled by the lack of large-scale battles. CHARACTER: The Billy Batson Disconnect My biggest issue in this Shazam Movie 2019 Review concerns the lead performance. Asher Angel plays the young Billy Batson as broody and introspective. Conversely, Zachary Levi plays the hero version with over-the-top playfulness. This discrepancy breaks the illusion. It feels like they are playing two entirely different people. I wish the actors had compromised on a shared personality. This smoothing out would have made the character’s transformation much more believable for the audience. VERDICT: The Final Shazam Movie 2019 Review Overall, Shazam! is dumb fun. If you don’t think too hard, you will have a great time. It suggests that DC is finally finding its own path rather than just playing catch-up with Marvel. This move was for the best. Fun Factor: 8/10 Action: 5/10 Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars Check out our other DC movie reviews: Wonder Woman: Dead Earth Review The Dark Knight Returns Review Want to see the hero in action? Buy Shazam! on Amazon.

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all star superman

All Star Superman Review: 5 Reasons It’s the Best DC Comic

16th February 2026

  All Star Superman Review: Grant Morrison’s DC Masterpiece   INTRODUCTION: Revisiting a Legend Welcome to our All Star Superman Review. Writing this piece allowed me to revisit one of my favorite comics. Interestingly, I am not usually a massive fan of the Man of Steel. I typically prefer him as a side character in a Batman story. However, this book changed everything for me. Grant Morrison wrote this story as a perfect jumping-in point. Consequently, new readers can enjoy the plot with zero prior knowledge. Even if you know the lore, you will love Morrison’s fresh take on the character. STORY: A Brisk and Cosmic Journey In this All Star Superman Review, we look at how the plot moves at a brisk pace. Morrison avoids making the story convoluted. They keep readers informed without ever talking down to them. This balance makes the book feel accessible yet sophisticated. I love the opening. Morrison shows Superman’s origin on a single page. Then, a beautiful two-page spread displays the Man of Steel in his full glory. The book embraces cosmic themes early on. We see Superman flying around the sun in a display of pure power. Furthermore, the relationship between Kal El and Lois Lane evolves beautifully. This layer adds deep complexity to the alien hero. THE VILLAINS: Lex Luthor at His Best The other major relationship in the book is with Lex Luthor. Morrison writes Lex as an unflinching sociopath. This version of the character is willing to do anything to achieve his goals. Luthor provides a perfect contrast to Superman’s optimism. His presence raises the stakes of the story. Ultimately, it makes the resolution of the plot feel earned and impactful. ARTWORK: Frank Quitely’s Iconic Style Frank Quitely’s art smoothly compliments the narrative. His clean and crisp illustrations make the book iconic. I personally enjoy the “Desperate Dan” build of Superman. It acts as a great homage to the comics of Quitely’s youth. Jamie Grant’s colors also help make the book recognizable. Each page features bright and varied tones. However, the colors never look garish. Instead, they bring every panel to life. VERDICT: The Final All Star Superman Review I enjoyed re-reading this book just as much as the first time. Morrison hit the nail on the head. They gave us the quintessential alternative version of the Man of Steel. It is certainly better than its All Star Batman and Robin counterpart. Story: 10/10 Art: 10/10 Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars Check out our other legendary reviews: Review – The Dark Knight Returns Review – Watchmen Want to read the masterpiece? Buy All Star Superman on Amazon.

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the walking dead volume 1 days gone bye

Review – The Walking Dead Volume 1: Days Gone Bye

4th February 2026

Review – The Walking Dead Volume 1: Days Gone Bye   Publisher: Image Comics Writer: Robert Kirkman Penciller: Tony Moore Inker: Tony Moore Letterer: Robert Kirkman Release Date: October 2003 – March 2004   The Walking Dead comic recently came to an end, so getting to go back and review Days Gone Bye, – the first volume in the series, – was an opportune chance to revisit how this pop culture juggernaut came about. The Walking Dead tells the story of Rick Grimes; an Atlanta sheriff who gets flung headfirst into the zombie apocalypse, which throws an overwhelming amount of un-dead corpses his way and exposes the brutality required to survive this harsh new world. Where most other zombie media focuses on the actual zombies and monsters killing human characters, The Walking Dead instead chooses to focus on the human relationships within the group of survivors that we follow. Although this has become somewhat of a trope over recent years, reading The Walking Dead was the first time that I saw the concept of ‘fight the dead, fear the living,’ actually realised and at the time I thought that it was fantastically original and refreshing. Unfortunately, we have been somewhat bombarded with zombie media to the point of parody since this book’s debut and the market has become extremely saturated in the years since it released, but credit is still due to the story that started it all. This idea has been parroted many times since because it was an awesome idea to begin with. Beyond the initial innovative idea though, the writing has to be there to back it up. Robert Kirkman is brilliant at building his universe and really making his characters and settings feel fleshed out. This was also one of the first comic books I read, where I really felt the constantly present threat that the characters had to live with on a daily basis and it honestly does feel like no character is ever truly safe. Kirkman does somewhat lean on shock value to keep readers engaged in this book, which is not always something that I am a huge fan of. He also isn’t afraid to explore extremely dark themes and sadly doesn’t always do so with the most subtlety or grace, resulting in some tactless excess and some poorly handled choices. Tony Moore manages to capture a brilliant level of detail and expression in every frame of this volume. I also love the clarity of his artwork; there is never a point in this book where I felt confused as to what I was seeing. The version of the book I read for review had also been coloured, however when I originally read the book, it was in black and white. To be honest, I think I prefer the B&W approach as it fits the horror theme of the book better and doesn’t look as cartoonish. Admittedly, as much as I enjoyed Tony Moore’s work in this volume, Charlie Adlard took over art duties from volume 2 onwards and I much prefer his work. Adlard’s drawing style is wildly different to Moore’s and it does take some getting used to, but once you settle into it, it is great. Overall, I really enjoyed going back and reading Days Gone Bye for review. It is pretty amazing when you consider all of the other media that has spawned from this single comic. Some of the writing can be fairly clumsy at times and Moore’s art carries a certain cheesiness to it, but there was enough talent onboard here to bring this franchise to life and the rest is history at this point.

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planet hulk comic

Is Planet Hulk Actually Good? Our Honest Review Revealed

16th February 2026

  Planet Hulk Review: 5 Reasons This Marvel Classic is a Slog By Daniel Boyd INTRODUCTION: Revisiting a Marvel Legend Welcome to our Planet Hulk Review. I recently finished re-reading this 2006 epic, and honestly, it felt like a chore. I first read this book in 2013 alongside World War Hulk. At the time, I remember loving it. Many fans consider Greg Pak’s run a highlight for Marvel. Consequently, it often appears on “must-read” lists for new comic geeks. However, revisiting it today changed my mind. I realize now that I was likely looking through rose-tinted glasses. STORY: A Meandering Plot on Sakaar In this Planet Hulk Review, we must address the pacing. The plot meanders and lacks the punch found in other classic Marvel stories. It begins with the Illuminati—including Iron Man and Doctor Strange—sending Hulk into space. While these characters often do shady things, their motives here feel thin and out of character. Once Hulk arrives on Sakaar, the story loses its Marvel identity. It essentially becomes a generic sci-fi comic. Because the plot feels so detached from the main 616 universe, I found it hard to care about the peril. Furthermore, the Hulk is a difficult protagonist to relate to when he is written this way. CHARACTER: When the Hulk Starts Talking I have a confession: I dislike it when the Hulk speaks in articulate sentences. In this story, he strategizes and governs like he studied The Art of War. This makes him feel less like the “Hulk” we know and more like a different character entirely. Some fans argue that this book is merely a setup for World War Hulk. However, 330 pages of setup is simply too much. The narrative drags significantly, making the reading experience feel like a long-distance slog rather than an exciting adventure. ARTWORK: Talent Wasted on a Dull Script? The artwork in the book is decent and consistent. I genuinely enjoyed the pencils by Carlo Pagulayan and Gary Frank. However, I feel the creative team’s talents were wasted on a lackluster script. The inks by Danny Miki and colors by Chris Sotomayor are professional and polished. Yet, much like Jim Lee’s work on All-Star Batman, great art cannot save a flawed story. The visuals are the only thing that kept me turning the pages. VERDICT: The Final Planet Hulk Review Frankly, I wish I had never revisited this book. It let me down and changed my positive memories of the story. If you loved this book years ago, I recommend against re-reading it today. Story: 4/10 Art: 8/10 Overall: A disappointing revisit. Check out our other Marvel reviews: Review – Swamp Thing: The Root of All Evil Review – Watchmen Want to see if you agree? Buy Planet Hulk on Amazon.

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polar 2019

Polar Movie 2019 Review: Netflix’s Maddening Action Mess

16th February 2026

Polar Movie 2019 Review: Netflix’s Maddening Action Mess By Daniel Boyd INTRODUCTION: A Cinematic Train Wreck Welcome to our Polar Movie 2019 Review. Sometimes you watch a film and can’t help but ask, “What were they thinking?” Unfortunately, this Netflix adaptation of the Victor Santos graphic novel is one of those times. Think “diet John Wick” meets an immature, garish comic book full of pantomime villains. While some creators struggle to fund solid scripts, it is a sad state of affairs that this low-level trash found a home on such a massive platform. THE VILLAINS: Irritating and Pantomime A major focus of this Polar Movie 2019 Review must be the god-awful assortment of antagonists. They are infuriating in every scene, becoming progressively worse as the movie drags on. Half the film is spent following this unlikable group as they hunt Mads Mikkelsen’s character. The main villain is inexplicably played by Matt Lucas. That’s right; the man from Little Britain is the primary antagonist. His performance is genuinely baffling, and every scene he is in feels like a discarded, unfunny sketch. It is hard to tell what the director was attempting with this character, but it fails on every level. THE PROTAGONIST: Mads Mikkelsen’s One Bright Spot The only saving grace mentioned in this Polar Movie 2019 Review is Mads Mikkelsen himself. Playing Duncan, the ex-hitman being hunted by his former employers, Mads brings a level of gravitas that the movie doesn’t deserve. I love seeing Mads in anything, and his scenes are actually quite enjoyable. His performance is the only thing that stopped this film from receiving the lowest score possible. He portrays the “Black Kaiser” with a silent intensity that belongs in a much better movie. VERDICT: The Final Polar Movie 2019 Review Overall, this film is a total mess. It is the worst type of comic book adaptation, catering only to a very narrow audience. Please don’t waste your time with this garbage; there are much better movies out there based on graphic novels. Acting (Mads): 8/10 Antagonists: 1/10 Overall Rating: 2/5 Stars Check out our other comic book movie reviews: Review – Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Review – Watchmen   Polar Volume 1: Came From the Cold (HC): 👉 [Victor Santos – Polar Vol 1] Polar Volume 0: The Black Kaiser: 👉 [Polar: The Black Kaiser Graphic Novel] The Complete Series: 👉 [Polar Volume 2: Eye for an Eye] or [Polar Volume 4: The Kaiser Falls]

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v for vendetta

V For Vendetta Graphic Novel: Alan Moore’s Masterpiece

16th February 2026

V For Vendetta Graphic Novel Review: Alan Moore’s Masterpiece By Daniel Boyd INTRODUCTION: Why Ideas are Bulletproof When discussing the most influential comics of all time, the V For Vendetta Graphic Novel is always at the top of the list. Originally written by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd, this masterpiece remains a chillingly relevant exploration of identity, anarchy, and resistance. In this review, we revisit the dystopian London of the Norsefire regime to see why the V For Vendetta Graphic Novel continues to be a ‘bulletproof’ idea for modern readers. Getting to go back and re-evaluate this classic, it’s clear that the book still stands as a fantastic achievement, dripping with style and heavy on substance. STORY: A 1984-esque Dystopia In this V For Vendetta Graphic Novel Review, we examine how Moore taps into the fears of 1980s Britain to create a timeless dystopia. The narrative follows Evie, a young woman saved by a masked revolutionary known only as “V.” V is a tragic character whose past was stolen by a broken system. Instead of breaking, he becomes an icon. As V famously says, “ideas are bulletproof.” Moore uses Evie as a surrogate for the audience, allowing us to witness V’s extreme methods and questionable morals through her eyes. While his actions are controversial, his dialogue is undeniably inspiring, pushing the reader to question the nature of freedom and government control. ARTWORK: The Iconic Design of David Lloyd A crucial part of any V For Vendetta Graphic Novel Review is acknowledging the striking visual work of David Lloyd. The art is perfect for the grim, noir-soaked version of London presented on the page. Character Design: The Guy Fawkes mask has moved beyond the page to become a real-world symbol of resistance and the group Anonymous. Color Palette: Steve Whitaker’s colors give the book a timeless quality, avoiding the garish tones often found in 80s comics. Atmosphere: The use of shadows and tight framing creates a sense of claustrophobia that mirrors the suffocating nature of the Norsefire government. VERDICT: The Final V For Vendetta Graphic Novel Review Overall, it is a joy to report that this book holds up incredibly well. It is a masterpiece of the medium that should be read every year—perhaps on the 5th of November. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and make it the next book on your list. Story: 10/10 Art: 10/10 Legacy: Unmatched Check out our other classic reviews: Review – Watchmen Review – Swamp Thing: The Root of All Evil Ready to join the revolution? Buy V For Vendetta on Amazon.

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Wonder Woman: Dead Earth

Wonder Woman Dead Earth Review – A Brutal DC Masterpiece

16th February 2026

Wonder Woman Dead Earth Review: A Brutal Post-Apocalyptic Epic INTRODUCTION: The Best of DC Black Label? Welcome to our Wonder Woman Dead Earth Review. Since its debut, the DC Black Label imprint has sought to provide creators with a “prestige” canvas for mature, standalone stories. While some titles have played it safe, Daniel Warren Johnson’s Dead Earth finally delivers on that promise. This is a gritty, “metal” odyssey that reimagines Diana Prince in a world that has already ended. But does this version of the Amazonian princess stay true to her roots? Let’s find out. STORY: Mad Max Meets the Amazon In this Wonder Woman Dead Earth Review, we explore a haunting vision of the future. Diana wakes from a centuries-long cryogenic slumber to find the Earth reduced to a nuclear wasteland. Her memory is fragmented, and her powers are diminished, leaving her to protect a small band of human survivors from terrifying, mutated monsters known as the Haedra. The narrative feels like a direct homage to Mad Max: Fury Road. Diana is forced to navigate gladiatorial pits and tribal politics, yet the story never loses sight of her core mission: compassion. A standout moment occurs when she chooses to forgive those who betrayed her, proving that even in a dead world, her radical love remains her greatest strength. ARTWORK: Kinetic Energy and Gritty Colors A key highlight of any Wonder Woman Dead Earth Review must be the art. Daniel Warren Johnson handles both writing and illustration duties, creating a unified and chaotic aesthetic. His style is raw and kinetic, featuring: VERDICT: The Final Wonder Woman Dead Earth Review Ultimately, this series is a masterpiece of the “Elseworlds” genre. It manages to be shockingly violent while remaining deeply hopeful. If you want a story that tests the limits of a hero’s faith, this is the book for you. Check out our other DC reviews: Ready to read it? Buy Wonder Woman: Dead Earth on Amazon.

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Batman: The Killing Joke

Review: The Killing Joke – A Flawed Masterpiece?

11th February 2026

Publisher: DC Comics Writer: Alan Moore Artist: Brian Bolland Release Year: 1988 Batman: The Killing Joke is iconic. Written by the legendary Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland, this graphic novel changed the Dark Knight forever. Initially, it was intended as a standalone “Elseworlds” tale. However, it was so powerful that DC integrated it into the main continuity. Consequently, its influence is massive. You can see its DNA in everything from Tim Burton’s 1989 movie to the Batman: Arkham video game series (check out our Arkham Asylum Review here). But reviewing it nearly 40 years later, does it still hold up? The Premise: Madness is Gravity The story is less of a traditional superhero fight. Instead, it serves as a psychological case study. The Joker has a terrifying theory. He believes that “one bad day” is all it takes to turn the sanest man alive into a lunatic. To prove this, he targets Commissioner Jim Gordon. Furthermore, the comic tackles the Joker’s origin with beautiful tragedy. Moore weaves a tale of a failed comedian who loses everything in a single day. We sympathize with him. In fact, at certain points, you might even find yourself on his side. This is a difficult feat to pull off, considering the horrific crimes he commits in these pages. The Controversy: Barbara Gordon We cannot discuss The Killing Joke without addressing the elephant in the room. In his attempt to break Jim Gordon, the Joker shoots and paralyzes Barbara Gordon (Batgirl). Admittedly, this moment remains controversial. Critics argue it treats Barbara as a mere plot device. However, this tragedy eventually led to her reinvention as Oracle, one of the most important characters in the DC Universe. Moore’s writing is uncompromising, but it is undeniably brutal. The Art: Brian Bolland’s Masterpiece The writing is deep, yet the art is what makes this book legendary. Brian Bolland is a master of detail. Every frame is packed with nuance. From the cluttered desks of the police station to the white smear of paint on Batman’s glove, nothing is accidental. Moreover, Bolland’s use of light—or lack thereof—is genius. His version of the Joker is terrifyingly human. The manic expressions and detailed linework make this arguably the best the Clown Prince of Crime has ever looked. The Ending: Did Batman Kill The Joker? (Spoilers Ahead) The ending of The Killing Joke is the subject of endless debate. Batman rescues Jim Gordon. Despite the torture, Gordon remains sane. He demands Batman bring the Joker in “by the book,” proving the villain wrong. Nevertheless, the final panels are ambiguous. Batman and Joker share a joke in the rain. They laugh together. Then, the view shifts to their feet. The laughter stops abruptly. The lights go out. Did Batman finally snap? Grant Morrison famously theorized that Batman kills him. Hence the title: The Killing Joke. Whether you believe this theory or not, the ambiguity makes the ending perfect. Final Verdict Batman: The Killing Joke is an absolute masterpiece. It is short, sharp, and shocking. Therefore, it earns its place as one of the greatest graphic novels ever told. If you are looking to get into Batman comics, this is a great starting point. It requires no prior knowledge, yet it delivers a complete story. Score: 5/5 More Reviews from BGCP Review: Watchmen Review: Avengers Disassembled Check out our upcoming Comic Con Events

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