Terminal #3 Review – Consequences and Confusion

Terminal #3 (Image Comics, 9/23/26): Writers Robert Kirkman and Joe Casey & artist Andy Kubert conclude the battle between the forces of Maculox and Obelisk, while external forces seek to manipulate Crusher. Kirkman and Casey deliver fast-paced action with consequences, but the muddled script tries to do too much. Verdict: Captivating yet confusing.

• Writer: Robert Kirkman, Joe Casey
• Artist: Andy Kubert
• Colorist: Dave McCaig
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: Andy Kubert (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: September 23, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 26
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Terminal #3:

First Impressions:

I want to like this series. Kubert’s artwork is great, and the collection of heroes and villains is unique, but Kirkman and Casey need to calm down with the sheer number of subplots and interweaving characters because this issue had me stopping half a dozen times, asking, “Who’s that? What are they doing, and why?” Settle down, guys. Tell a clear, linear story to set the foundation, then you can go nuts.

Recap:

In Terminal #2, Still grieving the loss of her sister, Ali withdrew from the team despite attempts by Dominik and Halle to console her, until Maculox summoned them for a new mission. Theed translated Maculox’s cryptic orders, sending the team to protect wealthy tech genius Benjamin Wright from an assassination at one of his R&D facilities while keeping their existence secret. When Obelisk’s team suddenly teleported into the facility, a battle erupted as Wright’s unusual research was revealed, ending the issue with a closer look at the force behind Obelisk.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

Terminal #3 begins with a brief prologue that shows how Obelisk – a giant, sentient heart – was born in a cave in Brazil years ago after a spelunker was exposed to a bright light that caused his heart to expand and rip from his chest. Now, the plot picks up in the middle of the battle between the teams of mutants(?). The battle is rough and powerful, but in the end, real battles have real consequences. Goblin gruesomely kills Racer. Obelisk tells the team to retreat for a new directive, so the team teleports away, leaving Maculox’s team defeated and grieving.

Later, Theed “communes” with Maculox, making his lover jealous. Crusher receives an encrypted video message about Syrians using chemical weapons. There’s a brief ceremony to honor Racer. Mr. Wright meets with a trio of guests while he dons a Cerebro-like helmet that does something that isn’t explained. The guests are aliens or mutants or a cult or something. Who knows? Tyler compiles a flash drive that’s meant to persuade Crusher to do… something. And the issue ends with Mr. Wright prepping the recovery of Crusher’s sister’s body, the sister who died during the ascension ceremony in the first issue.

How is the story in Terminal #3?

If you read the first paragraph above, everything connected to the first paragraph is fine. Everything about the second paragraph is a chaotic, frenzied mess. It’s as if Kirkman and Casey are trying to build out a massive, soap-operatic world as fast as possible, sacrificing clarity and the absolutely paramount priority of getting new readers on board. If a customer walked into a comic shop and picked this issue up just to get a feel for it, they’d be completely lost. That shouldn’t happen when it’s only issue #3.

How is the art in Terminal #3?

The art is fantastic. Andy Kubert is delivering some of his best work, especially when you consider there are multiple characters that don’t have human anatomy. The action is brutal and intense; the character designs are outstanding, and Dave McCaig’s coloring is exquisite. You won’t find a single flaw to pick on with respect to the art.

Characters

Although she isn’t the focus of this issue, Crusher appears to be the center of focus for the multiple factions that are moving in the foreground and background. She still grieves the death of her sister, and that grief weighs on the whole team, but the plot suggests Crusher’s grief might be premature.

Originality & Concept Execution

If you’re looking for an alternative to Marvel’s X-Men, this is it. However, Terminal is as far away from the current-year X-Men as you can get in terms of style, drama, energy, and important developments.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Fantastic art
• Battles with consequences
• Cool character designs

Room for Improvement

• The subplots are a confusing tangle
• Too many new characters without context
• Clunky scene transitions

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 2/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 4/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/2

Final Thoughts:

(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)

Terminal #3 carries real weight and consequences in the heat of battle, but Kirkman and Casey’s script tries to do too much too fast with a pile of disconnected subplots that will confuse the heck out of you. The issue looks and feels great, but more care needs to be put into setting a clear, firm foundation.

---

---

---

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.