REVIEW CORNER: Big Bang Adventures # 36

Big Bang Adventures # 36

Writers: Gary Carlson & Ray MacKay
Artist: Ronald Williams
Colorist: Shayne Cui

Cover Date: February 2026

Rating: 9.5/10

This week, I’m reviewing issue 36 of “Big Bang Adventures” from Big Bang Comics. Set just after Megaton #8 (partially illustrated by Rob Liefeld in 1987), Megaton and Ultragirl’s hopes for a quiet, romantic night are dashed when White Diamond escapes from prison and rampages through Empire City, searching for Ultragirl’s deceased father—Ultiman! With an unstoppable villain on the loose, Megaton and Ultragirl are forced to act. But can these two young, inexperienced heroes withstand White Diamond’s might? And what happens when a devastating Dexter Cortex invention is unleashed? As usual, Big Bang blends old-school sensibilities with drama that never feels dated, embracing a retro vibe that remains genuinely wholesome. Ray MacKay (already known as an innovative writer) teams up with Gary Carlson (the “Grandfather of Image Comics”) to deliver an action-packed, suspenseful, and poignant story. Their modern sensibility elevates the entertainment factor, making this issue impossible to ignore. From the intriguing exploration of Megaton and Ultragirl’s relationship to White Diamond’s thirst for revenge against Ultiman, there’s plenty to unpack where Carlson and MacKay skillfully flesh out numerous story threads, while still leaving some open for future issues—like Ultiman’s fate, which may yet return to haunt Ultragirl. Ronald Williams’ art is clean and dynamic, capturing the Silver Age spirit and delivering energetic visuals reminiscent of Arvell Jones’ work. He, along with Carlson and MacKay, truly channels what makes Big Bang Comics special. This latest issue once again delivers a stellar story, seamlessly blending Silver Age elements and the mid-1980s DC Comics era. With that being said, it’s a testament to how Big Bang Comics can evoke nostalgia while remaining genuinely fun for its core audience.

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