Mark's Epic Blog of Randomness

 By Mark Rodriguez Lara and Chase were called to help an archeologist named Vanessa investigate a hidden area at her gig that revealed a land where dinosaurs still exist. As they ventured through the area, a strong mist clouded their view and Chase is abducted. Before they can react, Lara and Vanessa find themselves face to face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex!! The issue opens with Lara shooting at the T-Rex with her dual pistols. She remarks that through all the different ways she could die during her line or work, she never thought it would be by getting eaten by a dinosaur. Lara realizes that the dinosaur merely shrugs off the bullets and only gets angrier. She decides she might have to run from this fight. Unfortunately that is no longer an option when the dinosaur noticed Vanessa. Lara aims her gun, thinking she has one chance, two bullets and no time to reload. Lara shoots the dinosaur in the eye, and then in its open mouth. The dinosaur finally falls. Lara checks to see if Vanessa...

 By Mark Rodriguez We hit Third Eye once again, this time taking advantage of Black Friday discounts. They had 20% off the whole store, 50% off of graphic novels and longboxes full of dollar comics. We had quite a haul as is and nothing else really grabbed us, so we settled for our pullbox stock. Batman # 162 (Hush 2)- So apparently the Hush 2 story was not finished in time for the big issue-number reboot. So this issue came out after the first 3 issues of the renumbering were already out. To top it off, it sounds like this completes the 'first part' of Hush 2, the second part out coming out sometime next year as the rebooted series continues on. Batman (2025) # 3- The rebooted issue number series continues, all while the Hush 2 story before it is still on hold. Batman Dark Patterns # 12- The conclusion not just to The Child of Fire mystery, but to the overall mini-series. Batgirl # 13- The story continues. I'll eventually binge-read this. The New Avengers # 6- The adv...

 By Mark Rodriguez So the year is coming to a close so that must mean it's time to do the annual Tomb Raider review. I'm not sure how it keeps happening this way, I was sure I bought that Witchblade crossover this year. The last story ended with the hunt for the Medusa Mask where Lara's own butler, Compton, betrayed her. Now that the quest is over and the dangerous mask is lost once again, what new adventure awaits the thrill-seeking Tomb Raider?    The issue opens with Lara Croft and Chase Carver driving down the rough terrain on a jeep. Chase complains about the violently bumpy ride, and Lara says she doesn't want to be late for her meeting with Vanessa. Just then a pteranodon flies up in front of them and Lara has to shift gears. She loses control of the jeep and both adventurers leap out of the vehicle as it goes off a cliff.    Lara lands near the cliff and is able to stop her momentum but Chase falls over the edge. Lara calls out to him and sees him holdin...

 By Mark Rodriguez Here comes another comic based on the hot still somewhat new-ish hero shooter game Marvel Rivals. This time the crew deals with the King of Black and it looks like we're going to see symbiote versions of several characters. Let's see what happens.   The story opens with Galacta introducing the readers to the world of Klyntar, the planet where symbiotes like Venom and Knull come from. The place seriously creeps her out and she says it is definitely not a good vacation spot.  Sure enough a spaceship arrives as Thing, Squirrel Girl, Jeff the Land Shark and Rocket Racoon continue their party tour. As they step onto the planet, Squirrel Girl steps in some black goop. Thing wonders where the beaches, the ocean and tiki bars are. Rocket asks who told him about this planet and Thing realizes that Johnny was messing with him. Thing asks Rocket why he didn't warn him since he's the space traveler. Rocket says he thought he were going to planet Kree-Lar. He says...

By Mark Rodriguez During the Krakoa era, the X-Men would throw Hellfire Gala events. It looks like the alternate Marvel Rivals multiverse has their own version, but Ultron crashed the party. I doubt he's there to show off a cool new suit. Let's see what happens.     The issue opens with Galacta explaining the Hellfire Gala to the readers. She comments on Storm that subtly uses her powers to make sure the drinks are cold and the floor is warm for those barefoot guests. She walks by Emma Frost as they both comment telepathically on most of the men wearing plain boring suits. Emma points out that the exception are Captain America, Namor and T'Challa. Namor comments that T'Challa is not his equal since he only rules a nation while he rules the ocean. T'Challa does not feel offended and updates him on the fact that intergalactic empire of Wakanda is an ocean of stars.   Wolverine finds Magik and comments on how she's alone in a party full of guests from across the mu...

 By Mark Rodriguez The 90's X-Men animated series made a comeback with the new X-Men 97 series on Disney Plus. Trick or Read reprinted the first issue of a 4-issue mini series which serves as a prelude to the series. So this pretty much would take place between the original show and the new one. Whether or not the actual show acknowledges these events are a different story, but let's check it out.    The issue opens with Magneto launching an attack upon Time Square, New York. The X-Men team of Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, Bishop and Jubilee step in to stop him. Wolverine jumps ahead as Cyclops tells him to stay in formation. Magneto, predictably so, knocks Wolverine back with his powers. Storm uses her powers over wind to make sure Wolverine lands safely. She tells him the others have to fend for themselves as she's taking care of him. Magneto drops a car near the X-Men and Jubilee asks if the insurance would cover this.    Cyclops tells the others to stick to the...