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READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

Warlords of Appalachia #4

1/31/2017

Warlords of Appalachia #4
Boom! Studios 2016
Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Illustrated by Jonas Scharf
Coloured by Doug Garbark
Lettered by Jim Campbell

   What an amazing story this has been. Mercer has been caught up in a fight that he wanted no part of all because the President had his men invade their world and his son got taken in all the confusion. A loving father, a determined man who with a group of followers has done something that people thought was near impossible. While we never learn of the events that separated the country and why only Kentucky, of all places, was alone in the world that’s really immaterial. The story is about a man and what he’s willing to do to rescue his son. Politics and all else be damned it’s about family.

   One of the things I liked about this issue is that Phillip leaves us with a few things that says he might want to revisit this. With Mercer’s son Lucas there’s a moment where the Blue want to claim him as their own and there’s more to this than meets the eye. We also see this connection from the opening. Well there’s also the ending here that leaves it open for another episodic story from these guys.

   Phillip really does manage to create this world where we have that desire to learn more. He’s woven some incredible characterisation throughout and left us with enough unanswered questions so that there’s plenty of room for growth. The way this all came to be that Kentucky stands alone and why the President seems to have this whole hatred for them and this split personality going on yeah it permeates the brain after finishing this. That’s how you know Phillip’s done something special that it stays with you after it’s done and leaves your mind going places the story didn’t take you to.

   The interior artwork here really captures the story beautifully. The use of page layouts with their angles, perspective and the utilisation of backgrounds really help flesh out the story more. There’s emotion and feeling in the work that you can feel and that really leaves an impact. There’s this nice attention to detail that almost seems abstract and it really works when detailing the military tanks and such not to mention the White House.

   It’s a great time to read comics that are so story driven. Forget the capes and tights because the real hardcore stories in books like this one. Where your imagination takes you places that seem like they could be eerily real and leave you wondering and wanting. If this hasn’t been on your radar you need it to be and now that’s it’s finished, for now, order the trade because this is wonderfully done.

Pathfinder Worldscape #4

1/31/2017

Pathfinder Worldscape #4
Dynamite Entertainment 2016
Written by Erik Mona
Illustrated by Jonathan Lau
Coloured by Omi Remalante
Lettered by Simon Bowland

   Kyra the cleric and her allies Valeros, Merisiel, and Seoni find themselves transported to the Worldscape—a deadly dimension that imprisons the greatest warriors of Golarion, Barsoom, and Earth! To make matters worse, each has appeared far removed from one another, and must fight to survive without their usual allies. Kyra finds herself in the polyglot city of Shareen at the heart of the Worldscape, where death lurks at every corner, and allies of strong character are in short supply…

   Before Merisiel found herself traveling with her current companions she ran with a different group. During that time she found herself in the Worldscape long before she would find herself back there again. What Erik does here is what we’ve been waiting for well kind of as we get to learn about the Worldscape and how it came into being. While we get a nice look at how and why the Worldscape came into being how it continues to function is a completely different story and one that we aren’t currently privy to.

   Erik also provides some incredible characterisation here for us. This look at Merisiel as a younger woman, she’s an elf after all their age is so hard to determine and well she’s a master thief so will we ever really know?, is one that I wasn’t expecting but I have to admit was utterly fascinating.   The way that this story is structured continues to demonstrate Erik’s ability to craft a tale that constantly surprises through it’s ever twisting series of events. I mean what we see and Merisiel’s role throughout this issue was something we’d never expect to see.

   I love the interior artwork here. Jonathan does this utterly amazing job bringing this to life. His creativity and imagination here are what draws you in and it’s his attention to detail that keeps you here. The use of page layouts through their angles, perspective and the utilisation of backgrounds really keep the eye focused on the page. With Omi’s colours the two really do have this great way of making all these different humanoids, creatures and beasts coherent and fit into one story.

   This issue really delves into what is currently going on and how the group finds themselves in all this now. However now that Merisiel is back and remembers everything that has come before what will that do for the story moving forward?   There’s this great imagination and creativity in the storytelling here that captures the character’s past and present in ways that are hard to describe. It has this electricity to it that sparks the imagination and then makes you wonder how the characters from all these different realms fit together.

   This is without a doubt the best crossover a company has done with their properties.   When it seems like these characters should never meet Erik has gone above and beyond in making the Worldscape a place where their adventures together make complete sense.

Bloodshot U.S.A. #4

1/31/2017

Bloodshot U.S.A. #4
Valiant Entertainment 2016
Written by Jeff Lemire
Illustrated by Doug Braithwaite
Coloured by Brian Reber
Lettered by Dave Lanphear

As the Bloodshot Squad arrived in NYC, they were quickly besieged by the infected. Ray Garrison, meanwhile, freed Kay McHenry — a.k.a. Deathmate — from her PRS programming. Before the two can head back into NYC to help quell the virus, they encounter magic…

So here we are with the final issue of the story and we get to see not necessarily the completion of Ray’s transformation but most certainly a huge step in it. While it was Kay who set him on the path to the man he’s becoming it’s Magic who really helped him get there so seeing his past and present collide in this way is great drama. Some may argue but first loves usually never last they are important to let us know it’s possible and we can find love but they just prepare us for the one we’re really waiting for. I see that here from Jeff and it’s strong and powerful to me.

So the Bloodshot Squad plays a major role in this and at the end of the story leaves us with a new realm to discover. These characters could have their own arcs moving forward as they too try to find a way to fit into a world that has passed them by. They have varying degrees of the nanites inside them and while they are nowhere near Ray’s level they are now a unit. The potential there both for the Project Rising Sun experiments and the characters themselves to be explored is huge.

While i’m not sure who’s idea it was to bring Kay back it’s nice that they did. We really haven’t seem much of the Geomancer lately and while she’s passed that mantle on with her death her resurrection as Deathmate again opens up a world of possibilities. Where does she go from here? Is she going to work with the Bloodshots or strike out on her own heck even hook up with Unity. There are endless scenarios that can be explored now thanks to the story Jeff brought us here.

The interiors here are extremely well done. The use of page layouts through their angles, perspective and use of backgrounds are so nicely utilised. The attention to detail here is amazing to see and the use of colour here really makes moments pop. Between all the action and the faces/facial expression the way that this story is told visually really helps the reader get more into the story.

So what’s next for Ray? With how this issue ends that too is left wide open. Sure he’s Bloodshot but he’s beholden to noone but himself, well and Magic, they have the dog and it would seem he’s ready to face whatever comes his way. Personally Jeff’s done such amazing things with this character that I cannot wait to see what’s next for him.

Valiant has a lot more to offer thanks to this four issue arc. The way they can continue to bring us these amazing stories and are able expand the universe in ways that make us thirsty for more.

Savage #3

1/30/2017

Savage #3
Valiant Entertainment 2016
Written by B. Clay Moore
Illustrated by Clayton Henry & Lewis Larosa
Coloured by Brian Reber & Andrew Dalhouse
Lettered by Dave Lanphear

   Learning to claw! On a mysterious island seemingly untouched by time, order is about to give way to instinct. Stranded with no hope of rescue, the Sauvage family must sacrifice the people they once were?and embrace the animals within! But as prehistoric monsters stalk them at every turn, will their newfound bestialness be enough to ensure survival, or will they be forever trapped at the bottom of the food chain? And when tragedy befalls the once close-knit family, will their last tether to humanity be severed once and for all?

   This is a surprisingly fast read. I got so caught up, see enraptured, in what was on the page that it was over before I knew it. Then of course all I wanted was more. What B. Clay is bringing to us here goes so far beyond whatever it was I was expecting. I mean the Land that Time Forgot is an excellent concept and one that has entertained us in various mediums and takes in the past but to see that little added extra here takes it to a whole new level.

   I will fully admit i’m in love with the interiors here as well. The opening is a perfect example of why that is. Seeing this man being attacked by two Raptor style dinosaurs only to be saved by the boy was exhilarating to watch. The attention to detail here is simply amazing to witness. The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and the use of these backgrounds make it all the more cinematic in scope so you almost feel like a part of the action. The emotion their work brings to this is undeniably important in connecting with the story.

   As we see Kev growing up and the events that shaped his life it’s interesting to see how those circumstances have made him into such a feral creature. Learning to stay alive on an island of Dinosaurs is one thing but add in the human group and their own brand of savagery and you begin to see the kind of hardship and ferocity he has accrued. This level of characterisation and storytelling from B. Clay is not only impressive but makes you see beyond what’s on the page and imagine what it would be like if you had to survive here a well.

   There’s a way for this to exist alongside the other books in the Valiant Universe but as a separate entity it’s astonishingly well done. Known to the others on the island as the boy Kev continues to showcase such rare qualities that only growing up in this harsh environment could have given him. Also that we see the moment his world forever changes and the impact that is going to have, which we see in his older self, is something that when explored more fully will undoubtedly be the turning point.

Already this is an award winning worthy tale and if it continues on like this it will be one of the best stories of the year without a doubt.

Skybourne #3

1/30/2017

Skybourne #3
Boom! Studios 2016
By Frank Cho
Coloured by Marcio Menyz
Lettered by Ed Dukeshire

   So we open up with an extremely impressive opening sequence. The more we see of this world and it’s blend of magic and science the more I find myself captivated by it. Mixing in the history both real and fictional, by fictional I mean legends and myths, so that we have this world that’s been lulled into a false sense of security is utterly delightful.

   This issue we see more of Thomas’ history with this world. The highlight of course being that he was there when Merlin defeated Morgan Le Fey and great personal cost. As the Cardinal continues to learn more about what is currently happening and the General with his need to be in control, like any military man, we are treated to some incredible storytelling. The characterisation is beyond what I was expecting and the plot twists and turns keep me going in ways that leave me wanting more. More details, more scenarios and definitely more information and that’s what a good strong story does it makes me long for more.

   Also that we get as much behind the scenes look at what’s happening around Thomas as we do is great. These men think they shape the world and yet they are merely cogs in the wheel meddling in forces they cannot truly comprehend. It’s wonderful to see them think so surely of what they know and how they act and yet as a reader realise that they are as ineffective as a gnat.   Their continued subterfuge with one another does make them more fun and interesting to read about and yes it leaves a smile on my face.

   I have to say that Frank is focusing so much on men in this story is more than delightful. We all know he’s a fabulous artist when it comes to his women but the men here of all ages and backgrounds have such an authentic and handsome appeal. I’m a sucker for faces and what he brings to these pages just fills me with glee. The use of page layouts through angles and perspective are wonderfully done. Personally I think we need more backgrounds in general in comics so i’d like to see more of them here. The imagination and creativity in bringing these dragons to life is wonderfully done through linework to the colouring it really creates an impact.

   Frank’s structuring of this story is impressive. The way he moves through the characters tying them into the story is seamless. The revelations are interesting and their behaviour well it’s what keeps us guessing. When it gets to that point in the story where Thomas sees Merlin’s face for the first time in 1,000 years things get ramped up. The story unfolds and as a reader we begin to see the mistakes the others have made thus far. Keeping him in the dark about what’s been going on and how the place is being run it all has consequences.

   The end of this issue sets up the next issue beautifully. I cannot wait to see how a new battle between Merlin and Thomas goes should that actually happen.   I’m interested to see if this will be Merlin’s triumph or if Thomas can muster the strength, courage and skill to beat him again and with any luck the human race can be saved.

   Frank’s created something really cool here and it’s got the right blend of action, intrigue and adversarial relationships to keep us coming back time and again.

The Mummy #3

1/30/2017

The Mummy #3
Hammer Comics/Titan Comics 2016
Written by Peter Milligan
Illustrated by Ronilson Freire
Coloured by Ming Sen & Dijjo Lima
Lettered by Simon Bowland

   Realizing that she could not survive on her own, Angel followed the card given to her by Duncan and arrived at the British Museum, the secret location of the Pyramid Club, where she started to hallucinate and collapsed into Duncan’s arms.Meanwhile, Mather and Clarence, leaders of the Sect of Anubis performed The Prayer of Returning rite that compelled Nebatah, in the body of Angel, to return to them. Duncan returned to Angel’s room to find her missing…

   With every issue of this that comes out I feel like a kid again watching one of those old movies on PBS. The good ones which were British and told the story of the Mummy’s Curse or of some similar variety. All the awe, wonder and thrills that I experienced then I feel now reading this series. The way Peter has crafted this is sublime in that it details everything we want to see and holds nothing back. Also that this issue finally reveals the Mummy in it’s full glory well that’s just icing on the cake.

   We open this issue in the past, 1880 Luxor to be exact, where Lord Mather and his friends come across the rite known as Palimpsest for the first time. This is the moment that the whole secretive scheme of immortality was borne. We see how this whole thing began and it’s so wonderfully told. Also that we meet Kharis High Priest of Amun Servant of my Pharaoh Seti II. It’s an important meeting and sets the stage beautifully for what we see happening now.

   Ronilson and the colourists, Ming & Dijjo, do some amazing work here. Aside from the incredible tone, feel and look of the characters the attention to detail that they put into their work here is stunning. The faces with their expressions are a great addition to the characterisation. The page layouts through angles, perspective and the use of all these backgrounds really flesh out the story more fully. Plus just the way we see the Egyptian hieroglyphs and accoutrements really take the breath away.

What Peter does with the story here is so much fun to witness. With their work falling apart around them the three friends who have lived much too long each have plans of their own in place.   It’s a wonderful example of how immortality can take it’s toll on one’s mind and warp it and turn them into something else entirely. Plus let us not forget the greed and desire that set all this in motion as well. There’s one line in this issue that really sums things up so nicely, “It appears that the longer we cheat death...the more we fear the damned thing.” That alone was so telling.

With a race against time, threats everywhere, warring factions and a budding romance swirling through it’s pages this really does read like an old classic movie. Action, adventure, romance and horror all blended together to create the ultimate reading experience.

Batman Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #3

1/30/2017

Batman Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #3
IDW Publishing/DC Comics 2016
Written by Matthew K. Manning
Illustrated by Jon Sommariva
Inked by Sean Parsons
Coloured by Leonardo Ito, John Rauch, Zach Atkinson & Sean Galloway
Lettered by Shawn Lee

   One of the best things that have happened in comics lately is the cooperation between companies to put out these crossovers.   Last time around the team-up was done in a more traditional manner and that this one revolves around the animated series makes it all the more fun. Matthew takes the best of both franchises in terms of their bad guys and all the humour that gets infused into them to make this an all-ages read. Aside from the fact that the Batman family keeps teaming up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles this reminds me of the eighties when books put out for the sole purpose of pure entertainment.

   With the Joker and Harley Quinn meeting with Shredder the rest of the escaped inmates of Arkham Asylum are out and about still wreaking havoc.   It’s hard to imagine the pure joy of seeing a giant preying mantis made up of plants attacking the combined heroes at the behest of Poison Ivy.

   Both of these sequences are full of the expected and unexpected witty banter that the characters are known for. Gone is the overly dark feel and instead it’s replaced by the personalities that made the cartoons such a success. Harley fully in love Mister J, Shredder as this no-nonsense kind of villain and the mixture of the two sets make for some of the most joyful reading experience.   It’s also a clear reminder that no matter who he goes up against the Joker is not someone to be underestimated.

   Equally as fun is when our heroes defeat Poison Ivy and have a moment to get to know one another better. In the sewers the Turtles call home the dialogue is superb. Even the appearance of Master Splinter, which was fun to see, doesn’t phase Batman or throw him off the leadership game as they learn what they are going to be facing next, or should we be saying whom.

   The way this series has been structured is fantastic. It feels like we’re in the midst of an actual animated episode. The tone, feel and mood that’s set by not only the writing, dialogue and characterisation but by the interior artwork as well really makes this as successful as it is.

   Jon, Sean and the Colourists really manage to bring the fun, adventure and cartoon feel to this in the best ways possible. The use of page layouts are superb through their angles, perspective and that sheer amount of backgrounds in use. I think the way the characters are nailed, mainly the Batman Family, really make me long for watching their cartoon adventures all over again.

   Pure, honest and fun this is why we love the franchises and why inter-company crossovers are among the most popular stories in stands today!

Geek-Girl #3

1/29/2017

Geek-Girl #3
Markosia 2016
Written by Sam Johnson
Illustrated by Carlos Granda
Coloured by Chunlin Zhao
Lettered by Paul McLaren

   When Mariella had gone to check on her ex (Rick), she noticed that, rather than a cut on his face, he had a crack in it--like he was made of porcelain or something--and when she went in for a closer look, he got sucked away at high speed in some kind of vacuum. He hasn’t been seen since, and Mariella is freaking out--so Ruby has promised to come help her look into it. Which brings us to now…

   With each issue I come to like this more and more. There’s just something about seeing this modern generation act and behave that makes me laugh and shake my head and think yeah this is where the world is going. Ruby and Summer on the phone while she’s on patrol is silly and yet what I think of as extremely current. Kids can’t get off their devices and why shouldn’t that be represented this honestly here?   Geek-Girl’s costume too with the way this is written takes on a different connotation. It doesn’t seem slutty per se it screams about a girl seeking attention and approval something very different from the classic revealing way too much skin that we often see.

   I’m also pretty impressed with how Sam is telling the story itself. At time it almost feels scattered and yet there is a rhyme and reason to how he’s telling this. I’ve yet to come across a book that is this made for the world as it is today as this one is. Ruby is desperately trying to be a hero and she’s stumbling along trying to figure it out as she goes along. Unconcerned with traditional superhero trappings her secret identity isn’t so secret which I see as that desire for not only recognition but for acceptance as well.

   The part with Delfi well that just intrigues me. The man she’s with in Paris with and the way he treats her well it just sets up something, what i’m not entirely sure. He’s one of those that raises the alarm flags and it also makes us look at Delfi in a different manner.

   Another aspect i’m thinking we need to see more of the boys we met in the first issue. We see them here and that desire to get those glasses back which could go a couple ways. We could end up with a new villain on the horizon or a new hero depending on if he can recreate the technology that he used in those glasses. Either way it’s an interesting prospect and one that i’m glad that Sam is keeping us abreast of.

   Carlos’ interiors here are really nice to see. The attention to detail here is great and there are truly some excellent standout moments in what we see. The fight scene with the water for instance really makes a great impact. The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and even the use of backgrounds really do a great job in bringing this story to life. There’s a great simplicity in the work as well that just brings us to this place that makes us happy.

   With the way Sam keeps things moving forward and all the little multiple arcs continuously in play is fantastic to see.   This series constantly moves forward and with each new issue and that’s how it should be.

Wondering how you can get your Geek-Girl on issues are available now in regular, digital and variant editions at www.geekgirlcomics.com and www.comixology.com

Hellchild the Unholy #3

1/29/2017

Hellchild the Unholy #3 (of 5)
Zenescope Entertainment 2016
Written by Pat Shand
Illustrated by Renzo Rodriguez
Coloured by Walter Baiamonte
Lettered by Ryan Ferrier

   Angelica Blackstone, a half-vampire and half-god known as the Hellchild, has accepted an offer from the mysterious businesswoman Jezebel: Hellchild will find, locate, and murder Kevin Nestor, a man who is attempting to resurrect a demonic, reptilian sorcerer. Hellchild kills Nestor, but does not see the essence of the sorcerer reanimate Nestor’s corpse, creating a host for a whole new evil.

   One of the things that sets Pat’s characterisation apart from the field is his ability to get us into their complex thought patterns. While Angelica tries to find her own place in the world she goes through that whole moment of having an epiphany where she never wanted to be like her father and now she wants nothing more than that. Having been brought back with this thirst and hunger inside her is hard to control and she’s trying god bless.   Still it’s a process and one that takes time so it’s nice to see here continue to struggle with how she now sees herself.

   The introduction of Jezebel, who she is and what she really wants has been fantastic to see. Yes she’s willing to bankroll Angelica but for what real purpose? Perhaps it’s just me but i’m more than a little suspicious about her motives as the way she’s going about things. Granted it makes for delicious storytelling and it’s high among the reasons that make this story so gosh darned interesting.

   I’m a big fan of the interior artwork here as well. I’m loving the whole kind of punk rock look that fits Hellchild’s attitude.   That she doesn’t need to look so slutty to be the woman she is makes me happy. Renzo and Walter’s work here really brings to life the creatures that we see. From the snakes and reptiles to the “monsters” that inhabit the world the creativity and imagination on display here is fantastic to see. The use of page layouts through their angles and perspective are well done I only wish backgrounds were more utilised than they are.

   There are so many great ways that Pat injects the modern horror elements into this story as well. The woman being attacked by her neighbors is a prime example of that and the reveal by all is truly inspired. Also I am a fan of this circumstances that surround Angelica that continue to make her question her place in the world. From being a hero to being seen as a monster keeps her from being able to focus and it’s just superb writing.

   This is the kind of story that reminds us that not all horror has to be in your face it can be smart, tantalising and tease you in ways that keep you on the edge of creepy and fascinated.

Island 731 #3

1/29/2017

Island 731 #3
American Gothic Press 2016
Written by Jeremy Robinson & Kane Gilmour
Illustrated by Jeff Zornow
Lettered by Marshal Dillon

   Marooned off the shore of a mysterious island, Mark Hawkins and the crew of the Magellan have set out to find their missing crew members. But if they thought flying snakes were bad, well, they're about to be introduced to Island 731's true terrors: crocodiles with tentacles, seagulls with teeth, and a strange creation called Kaiju who seems to possess marginal intelligence... along with the body of a gorilla, the arms of a polar bear, and the sharp spines of a porcupine.

   Alright this is so incredibly fun to me. It has all these elements that range from classic literature like the Island of Dr. Moreau to a made for SyFy movie where everything seems to be break the laws of physics and nature in ways that jumpstart the imagination.   So far while they’ve been looking for their missing crewmates we are being treated to seeing creatures that have never and should never exist in real life. In so many ways this is what it’s all about the creativity and imagination and the ability to be taken somewhere reality doesn’t exist as we know it.

   I’m really enjoying the characterisation we’re getting on Mark here. While he’s doing his heroic thing to save Bray we get a glimpse into his past. Being raised on an Utu Reservation and having the discipline that comes along with that well it’s invaluable when it comes to doing what he does here. Somewhat rash and definitely dangerous he’s a complete man of action and it’s nice to see him doing what he does for those he works with. It’s part of his character that he will do what’s necessary to save a life of a friend.

   Jeff’s interiors here are magnificent. I love that we get to see him unleash his creativity and imagination in bringing these creatures to life. It’s one thing to say we’ve created a chimera beast it’s another thing to be able to bring it to life so well. That he can make them looks so natural and real is a tribute to his talent. Plus his eye for storytelling through the page layouts and their angles, perspective and use of backgrounds bring us into this story beautifully.

   I think that this issue has a great blend of revelations, storytelling and action woven throughout. While we aren’t sure who has been using this place to create these Chimera creatures it’s obviously clear that this place is still active and in use. So that the Mark and his crew have to fight the Island’s natural defenses in the creatures they are also being watched by whomever is responsible for creating them. Unless that person has already died but then where’s the fun that?

   Forget the Land that Time Forgot or the Island of Dr. Moreau this is face of current modern science fiction fantasy. This has an excellent cast of characters and a lot of unknowns at play that create this tension and action packed thriller.