READING WITH A FLIGHT RING
  • About
  • reviews
  • Contact
  • Cosplay of the Day 2
  • Company News
  • Entertainment Section
  • Convention News/Updates
  • original artwork
  • My Best Books of the Week
  • Cosplay of the day!
  • FCBD
  • Interviews
  • Webcomics

Today's reviews!

Reviews for 19-12-21 
​Reviews for 18-12-21 Reviews for 17-12-21 Reviews for 16-12-21
​Reviews for 15-12-21 Reviews for 14-12-21 Reviews for 13-12-21
​Reviews for 12-12-21 Reviews for 11-12-21 Reviews for 10-12-21
​Reviews for 09-12-21 Reviews for 08-12-21 Reviews for 07-12-21
​Reviews for 06-12-21 Reviews for 05-12-21 Reviews for 04-12-21
​Reviews for 03-12-11 Reviews for 02-12-21 Reviews for 01-12-21

Facebook Link

Cry Havoc #2

2/29/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Cry Havoc #2
Image Comics 2016
Written by Simon Spurrier
Illustrated by Ryan Kelly
Ink Assists by Barbara Guttman
Coloured by Nick Filardi --London
    Lee Loughridge --The Red Place
    Matt Wilson--Afghanistan

    ...IN LONDON street musician Louise Canton was savaged by a ghostly hound ...IN AFGHANISTAN she travelled with supernatural soldiers to lift the creature’s curse ...IN THE RED PLACE she’s the captive of the rogue monstress she came to kill.

    I’m more than a little fascinated by this series.  This in large part to the way Simon is writing it.  Sometimes with three distinct story arcs going on simultaneously there’s a good chance it could get a tad muddy but not here.  Granted it helps that each one is colour coded so it’s easier to identify which is which but still even without it there’s no mistaking which one you’re reading.  Plus the way Simon is able to weave the story throughout the different arcs keeps the reader’s interest piqued in ways that may surprise you.

    I’ll be the first to admit I have no idea how Lou has been captured, we haven’t seen that part yet, but she’s in a cage and being treated harshly.  Her captor is the woman i’m going to assume they’ve been sent after and I gotta say what Ryan does with all this is incredible.  It’s eye catching, fabulous, creepy and it’s so powerful you just can’t look away.  I mean I stared at that womans face just captivated by what I saw.  This makes the Red Place one of those where the true horror lies and I keep expecting something from Hostel to happen.  Kind of gives ya the chills it’s so good.

    Meanwhile when we hit Afghanistan and see and the soldiers it’s a learning experience.  Not all of them are the same which I found both fascinating and weird.  I like that this world has a variety beings in it.  Oh and yeah I also love the humour infused in this as well as it’s unexpected, kinda dirty and fully entertaining.  Ottar being from Iceland yeah he’s already a favourite of mine after this issue.  The characterization given to him is absolutely amazing!  From what we see here there’s no doubt in my mind that is has jumped up into my favorites list and it’s one I don’t think i’ll be able to get enough of.  

    Ironically the Blue London sequences is both the one with the most potential and right now the weakest link.  Sure it’s heating up what with others coming out of the woodwork letting Lou know she’s not alone but she’s completely clueless about what’s happening and that’s wonderfully scary.  The fight with her girlfriend adds to the whole what the heck is happening to me stuff.  As we see more it’ll strengthen this segment and lead up to her trip to Afghanistan and i’m waiting for that otherwise it’s good for showcasing how not driven she is.  Kind of a slacker with no real motivation.  It’s pretty amazing when I think the weakest link has some absolute great stuff in it.  

    I’m over the moon thrilled by this series, how it’s being told and by Ryan’s ability to bring it all to life.  This is so current with what’s popular but it takes that supernatural aspect and amps it up in ways even steroids couldn’t compete with.  

​

0 Comments

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #225

2/28/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #225
IDW Publishing 2010
Written by Larry Hama
Penciled by SL Gallant
Inked by Brian Shearer
Coloured by J. Brown
Lettered by Neil Uyetake

    Zartan and Destro carry out two separate raids on Cobra: Destro storms the Silent Castle alongside The Baroness and his Iron Grenadiers; Zartan leads the Dreadnoks and a group of Cobra mercenaries into Cobra’s latest HQ. Both groups find each location abandoned… while Cobra Commander, hiding in a secret bunker, sets off hidden explosives at both locations and blows the Cobra traitors to smithereens!

    There are so many things about this epic event that have and continue to be outstanding.  From a reader’s perspective Larry is the only person alive who understands these characters as if they were his own, and many instances they pretty much are.  His characterization, plot twists and the way he’s able to craft this story seems effortless.  The first page here is just a prime example of this as Cobra Commander is bowling, watch the pins by the way, and Doctor Mindbender’s droll comments.  It really captures these two beautifully.

    When we catch up with Destro and the Baroness what we get again is the kind of characterization that puts things squarely in their corner.  Actions speak louder than words ever can and these speak volumes.  This is the kind of stuff that inspires loyalty in others in ways that Cobra Commander never can and this is dangerous for him.  There are moments that define an arc like this and I have a feeling this is one of those.

    Conversely when we see Zartan and his crew it’s a great moment.  When we left them it was like the building they were in was extinguished and we thought them lost.  Even when we go back to them you sit and wonder what the heck happened that they are talking this way and experiencing what they are.  I like the appearance of those who rescued them and brings them up to date with what’s happening and why did what they did.  

    The whole thing with Duke and his wife while is wonderful to see and explores their relationship and how she was found and lost to him again is on point I still feel like there’s something there that doesn’t sit well with me.  I feel like we’re being duped somehow and that she isn’t whom we think she is.  Colour me jaded or too cynical but it seems too good to be true and too convenient at this point in time.  See it’s Larry’s ability to get us to that point and think these things and whether they are true or not is not relevant it’s just happened.  That i’m just into this as much as I am isn’t surprising but it serves as this reminder that Larry is so amazing at what he does.

    With the way this issue ends sets up the next turn of events and it’s going to be something unique to witness.  I’ve thought perhaps this time around Cobra Commander could sustain a win but after all we’ve seen i’m thinking differently and that it won’t be the Joe’s who bring him down.  

    This is some of the most seriously genre breaking stuff to happen in any G.I. Joe setting, franchise or book.

​

0 Comments

The Gingerdead Man #1

2/28/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Gingerdead Man #1
Action Lab: Danger Zone/Full Moon Presents 2016
Written by Brockton McKinney
Illustrated by Sergio Rios
Coloured by Marcelo Costa

    Upon his execution, the world thought they’d seen the last of convicted murderer Millard Findlemeyer.  But his mother’s black magic and a vat of cookie dough changed all that when The Gingerdead Man was born!

    Well with the title and the main cover you knew this was going to be silly and all kinds of gory fun, kind of along the lines of say Leprechaun.  I came into this with no expectations I wanted to just sit back relax and enjoy and that’s exactly what I did.  I had to look up Gingerdead Man to see what the source material was so colour me surprised that it was an actual movie now I kind of want to watch it.  Honestly though if you’ve never seen it don’t worry because this issue does everything you need to enjoy as a new person to this character.  

    I was really impressed with the story as it opened.  Troublemaker kid aside Synithia and her crew definitely make for a great catalyst to get this rolling.  I like this crew and what they are doing adding in this whole drug runner scheme was a brilliant move and the way Brockton has it all play out was brilliantly done.  While I know what kind of series this is meant to be and not everyone is going to survive but that isn’t going to stop me from already having favourites whom I’d like to see make through this first arc.  

    So we’re not only introduced to that crew but the business next door run by Kayla with her charge Billy, the young hooligan who likes to light firecrackers.  Along with Mister Gill you immediately see that they balance out the bad of the crew with their innocence and goodness if you will.  I’m super impressed with the sheer amount of characterization Brockton brings us.  Not only that but also by Sergio and Marcelo.  They manage to really infuse and bring out the personalities of these characters through what we see.  Almost as if we’re getting a preview of who will be a major factor in bringing the Gingerdead Man down.

    I’m also a huge fan of the fact that Brockton doesn’t waste any time in bringing Millard back to life this issue.  The circumstances of that are fantastic and totally within the realm of what you would expect.  Sure there’s this whole Chucky kind of vibe and there’s magic in his original creation that we don’t see of here but there’s always time for that later down the road.  I look forward to seeing how that original origin along with this new mixture of how he was brought back comes into play.

    The dialogue is cheesy and fun of that there’s no doubt and it makes for extremely entertaining reading.  It has that whole 80’s horror movie vibe to it where there’s as much blood and gore mixed in with that tongue in cheek humour that stays with you for a long time.  It’s memorable and has the right mixture of seriousness versus silliness to keep reader’s coming back time and again.

    I’ve touched on the work of the interiors already but let’s expand on that.  The use of pages and panel layouts keep things moving along and also really highlight just the right moments.  Plus there is something about the Gingerdead Man that just embodies everything possible with this book.  Oh and thanks to the dialogue the last page pin-up is one of those moments you live for!

    This is a mature title but it’s easily accessible and is going to bring you back to this place where you can fall in love with B Horror flicks all over again.


0 Comments

Absent Captain #3

2/28/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Absent Captain #3
Overground Comics 2015
Written by Jon Hughes
Penciled by Joshua Flower
Inked by Mostafa Moussa
Coloured by William Anderson

    After losing their leader, Captain Zero, the Zero Technologies Cavaliers make an impulse decision to hide the truth about his identity from the police.  As tensions mount, both the heroes and the police intensify their efforts in finding the killer….

    It’s no secret that i’m a huge fan of small press or self published companies they somehow manage to instill in their books that love and passion for what they are doing that is infectious to the reader.  Sometimes however even I get surprised when I see a book is out and I get excited to read it, in an industry inundated with so much to choose from getting excited over one particular book is something to talk about.  This is one of those books as I opened it up to read I found myself excited for what was to come and as a reviewer, who reads an insane amount of weekly books, that I can still get this excited by it should tell you something.

    We’ll get to Jon’s writing in a few first I want to talk about the interior artwork here.  Joshua, Mostafa and William are putting out some of the most classic comic style artwork on stands today it’s expressive, wonderfully detailed and totally engaging.  They bring life to these characters and there’s some indescribable moments where you just stop and look at their work and you don’t realize the impact it’s having on you.  Rhapsody for instance with her unique style and her tattoo’s are just mesmerizing.  Plus the use of pages and panel layouts are amazingly well done in helping the flow of the story.

    So while we’ve got this mystery of who killed Captain Zero there is some of the best characterization happening here.  Rhapsody gets a much needed spotlight as after last issue we get a better look at who she is and what she’s about.  The whole time she’s with the tech guy working on her collar the dialogue is written in such a way that you feel for her.  She’s a scared girl with a huge responsibility that you wouldn’t have known about without this moment.  Rising from a scary individual to a thought provoking and interesting character in two issues really showcases Jon’s ability when it comes to not only writing but characterization.  Her role in this issue really solidified why I love this series.

    Outside of that we see a new character introduced and a possible reason for Captain Zero’s death but to me it seems like a red herring.  I say this because it’s too obvious and it’s a great way to divert suspicion from the real murderer.  I love that it’s something that makes you think and analyze in such ways that by engaging you as a reader you find that coming back isn’t a question it’s going to happen because you want to know if you are right.  

    With a solid premise, great character development, strong pacing and a delightful cast of characters this should be on your monthly reading list.  


0 Comments

Black Magick #5

2/28/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Black Magick #5
Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Greg Rucka
Created & Illustrated by Nicola Scott
Colour Assists by Chiara Arena
Lettered by Jodi Wynne

    I’ve said it since the get go this is an amazing series and quite possibly the best thing being published this year.  There’s just this way that Greg is writing this that mixes the most mundane and human elements with the whole magic, coven and this opposing organization whose motives are unclear but extremely dangerous.  This is what Charmed SHOULD have been like with the kind of characterization that doesn’t come along all that often.

    I adore the opening of this issue as we see Rowan having dinner with Morgan and his wife.  What Greg does here with the dialogue and the characterization is amazing, we see such ordinary everyday conversation and then you realize Rowan can’t help but infuse her life into it.  Inside the nursery for instance it’s a wonderful example of her dual life.  Oh and Nicola what is it about Morgan at the sink doing dishes hmm maybe that tushy or something you’ve definitely got another subtle moment there.

    Stepan trying to find a group to practice with is somewhat obvious.  It’s interesting for a few reasons and just the fact that he can come across as this completely innocent and endearing man then show his true hardened and cold persona not only demonstrates his acting skills but again shows the layers of Nicola’s talent.  Though I have to be honest are we so open with everything in our lives that we aren’t suspicious of new strangers in town anymore, in the scheme of things it wasn’t long ago that witches and those practiced other aspects of religion were persecuted.  That we think of things that go further than what’s presented to us is a sign of great writing.  

    Ah sweet sweet build up to what we’ve all been waiting for and that’s to find out what happens from last issue’s ending.  It’s not very often that you can actually feel the fear, tension and anticipation coming off the page as palpably as it does here.  It is the absolute perfect mixture of writing and artwork to bring the reader to a place that these feelings come to them as easily as the air they breathe.  I won’t reveal what happens that’s something you need to experience but wow what an array of gorgeous imagery and dialogue it is.  

    Then this issue’s ending takes us to a place I honestly hadn’t expected to be taken to.  Suddenly this world is much more vast and scary than I had banked on.  Incredibly revealing and utterly mesmerizing this book is what makes people fans of comics.

    I want to talk about Nicola for a moment.  The intricacy of the interior artwork here is beyond much description.  It feels like pure shades of pencil work that’s infused strategically placed pops of colour from Chiara.  There’s a true depth to the work that I wasn’t aware could happen in comics.  The subtlety and boldness mixed with the definition and softness of what we see usually only comes from the kind of shading pencils can bring and for me to see this amount of sheer ART on each page is breathtaking.  The skill required for this blows me away.

    This is the new standard in comics storytelling.  

​

0 Comments

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short #1

2/27/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short #1
IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Arvind Ethan David
Illustrated by Ilias Kyriazis
Coloured by Charlie Kirchoff
Lettered by Robbie Robbins

    It’s time for the second limited series featuring Dirk Gently from IDW.  I was so impressed with the first one and couldn’t wait for this to come out.  Granted this time around we’ve got a different writer so it’s not going to have the same tone and feel of the first one.  Still it’s great to see this incredibly fun and quirky character getting the spotlight and since it’s going to be a television series as well it’s a great chance to get to know more about the character before that happens.  Though I do recommend the BBC series if you can watch it because that was a lot of fun to watch!

This one opens up with a strange little tale of young Dirk playing in a treehouse.  I’m not sure if i’m a fan of the Sunday Funnies style that is happening here.  While silly and descriptive and very much leads into the main event it just I dunno didn’t suit me.  Though his Doctor Who doll and juice box were nice touches, but wow that hair.  Still it’s a nice bit of characterization nonetheless.

Once we get into the main story things go a little more what I think of as according to normal.  Now if you know Dirk than normal is relative what with the interconnectedness of it all.  Still England on Halloween at a private hospital yeah it seems like a perfect place to get to know Sally and his newest case.  There is tongue in cheek humor here that only Brits can do best and when you see Sally for the first time and learn who she is and what she does well it’s delightfully ironic.  

Speaking of Ilias and Charlie’s interiors are incredibly fun to see.  Specially when we get to Sally but more so with Dirk and his unique sense of style.  That hair kills me every time too it’s just outrageous enough that it’s cool.  Honestly i’m also a fan of Ilias’ sense of direction, body proportion and the way he uses the pages and panel layouts to keep the story flowing.  If there’s one true highlight, standout page it’s the one with all the circles I mean c’mon even a bloke like me can love this!

Once we get into main story here things move along and nice clip.  Unexpected events lead to the interconnectedness of it all and if you don’t know what that means read the story and you’ll come to understand.  It really is one of those things you have to experience to fully understand there’s no other way around that.  Still that it becomes this surreal, supernatural type event comes as no surprise all things considered it’s one of the consistents in Dirk’s life really well that and someone will try to kill him.

Definitely an interesting premise and great characters.  It’s small let down from the last story for me but we’ll see how it all plays out.  

​

0 Comments

Man Plus #2

2/27/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Man Plus #2
Titan Comics 2016
Created, Written & Illustrated by Andre LIma Araujo
Coloured by Arsia Rozegar
Lettered by Tom Williams

    AS OLISSIPO’S CRACK POLICE SQUAD PIECE TOGETHER THE CAUSE OF THE RECENT ANDROID ATTACK, A DANGEROUS THREAD OF VIOLENCE AND CORRUPTION BEGINS TO UNRAVEL, LEADING FROM THE CITY’S SEEDIEST GHETTOS, TO THE DIZZYING HEIGHTS OF ITS BUSINESS DISTRICT.

    After last issue I was left very intrigued by this book.  I like the idea behind it, this city grown out of a corporation's placement causing it grow into a huge metropolis.  Also the technology available in this city is intriguing as well as robots are mainstays and it would appear the police department is not necessarily a joke but more for show.  All things considered the first issue really went above and beyond in creating this city, world and characters.

Alright so when we left last issue the team had caught up to the rogue android and that is where we pick things up.  I’m really enjoying this too because it’s the right kind of weird.  To see that perhaps this android is far more different than we were originally led to believe makes this much more interesting.  Not only because of her actions this issue but the ongoing action sequences we see with her skill sets as well.  She’s a complex character already and with everything we see from her that intrigue only strengthen my resolve to learn more.

I’m also very much enjoying the characterization we are getting from the police squad.  Aside from the Chief looking Linda Hunt they really do have this whole kind of modern day police show feel to them, yes NCIS LA or Almost Human in nature.  I’m really getting behind the way they think, operate and support one another and more so since their plays have been backed like they are this issue.  Andre really has gotten this incredibly strong grasp of the characters he’s created and is taking great pains to make them as human and relatable as possible and it resonates at least with me.

Meanwhile there’s just as much care and mystery going into the bad guys as well.  We kind of know whom they are working for just not the why so there’s so much room for growth and development plot wise with them that while at the moment they seem more like common hired guns and less a true threat somewhere along the line it wouldn’t surprise me that they find themselves adrift completely and they become a much bigger and more dangerous problem.  Just that we can think of them this way and that I see a bigger picture surrounding them means that Andre really has crafted a place where the reader’s imagination is just as vital to the story as is what puts on the page.

Part of what makes this as successful as i’m finding it to be is Andre’s ability to catch your attention, keep it and involve the reader in ways that both subtle and unexpected.  It’s easy to get lost in something but another to get lost and explore places we’ve never seen presented yet and he’s doing that with me here.  

I'm really enjoying the artwork here granted I do find the blocks or x’s throughout a tad distracting but all in all i’m captivated by the style and detail presented to us.  Part of me wonders if this would be better in black and white but that’s not really relevant since it is incredibly engaging, expressive and wonderfully done.

Science Fiction on a whole different level mixing things up with more intrigue and excitement than you’d expect.

​

0 Comments

Red Agent #2

2/27/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Red Agent #2 (of 5)
Zenescope Entertainment 2016
Written by Lou Iovino
Illustrated by Diego Galindo
Coloured by Grostieta
Lettered by Fabio Amelia

    Working for a terrorist organization known as The Circle, the laboratory-enhanced soldier Alpha infiltrates a government facility and steals one of its most important assets -- a young android named Eve. But in order to exploit Eve’s unique technology, The Circle requires the talents of a world-renowned hacker called Ditto. The government sends Britney Waters to find and protect Ditto from falling into the terrorists’ hands. However, despite her many talents, Britney is ill-prepared for the likes of Alpha, a man borne of death and destruction.

    Okay who knew that Lou was going to take this idea and turn this into one of those must read limited series that by the end should become a must have monthly series.  We knew that Britney wasn’t going to be alone and that somehow or another she’d be forming her own team of operatives what we didn’t know is that Ditto wouldn’t be the first.  

    Lou has written this so that it feels incredibly organic in nature, by that I mean it feels natural, not forced or contrived but plays out as it should even when there’s a last minute rescue that seems to be a tad unbelievable.  Also that he’s using characters who were introduced elsewhere in the Zenescope Universe keeping this series connected yet separate is amazingly well done.  Also I am really enjoying the way that these characters are being portrayed as smart, intelligent people who don’t need to rely upon their sexuality to be badass characters.

    I’m also pretty incredibly thrilled by Diego and Grostieta’s interior artwork here.  Seeing Brit go wolf and fight Alpha was wonderfully done and the fight sequence was like a dance and it flowed beautifully.  The attention to detail, use of backgrounds alongside the way pages and panel layouts are constructed really make the most of visual storytelling.  It’s stories like this one that make me so excited for the direction Zenescope is heading, growing and evolving into.

    The exploration of the Circle in their Stronghold as well as with Ditto and seeing not only what they know but are capable of was fantastically portrayed.  All this adds to creating a world where it’s not only the Highborns who seem to have this fantastical power but the advancement in technology and science blend to make this one of those instances that take science fiction to a realm where it doesn’t seem that far off.  It blends this scary future with an even scarier present to really throw the reader into a space where awe and fear mix in the most wonderful ways.

    I also like the way that Britney and Avril are interacting with one another.  Not immediate friends but allies of sorts more out of convenience than not and this makes for  a real friendship/partnership capable of growing.  Again it goes back to the organic way it feels and for me that’s a huge draw when it comes to reading a story.  

    From concept to execution these first two issues have been on point in such a way that it’s not only modern and now, see Supernatural, Grimm and the Originals, but also delightful and genre defying.

​

0 Comments

Letter 44 #23

2/27/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Letter 44 #23
Oni Press 2013
Written by Charles Soule
Illustrated by Alberto Jimenez Alburquerque
Coloured by Dan Jackson
Lettered by Crank!

    Major Gabriel Drum, previously thought dead after staying behind on an alien construction, landed on Earth, determined to talk to Blades by any means necessary. The news he delivered to Blades was not good—only 666 people will survive the alien encounter. In space, the crew of the Clarke suffered the wrath of the Builders, who cast them back outside the asteroid belt—without Astra.

    There are many reasons this series is among those I consider among the best being published today.  Chiefly though it’s simply the way that Charles is telling it, well that right after its concept alone.  I’m always a fan when Charles manages to put into an issue every aspect of the story like we get here.  From seeing the crew of the Clarke to Major Drum with the President as well as the former President and his people underground nothing is left out this issue and it makes for in my humble opinion a great big jumbled mess of completeness.

    Charlotte losing Astra to the builders has really pushed her over the edge and it’s utterly fascinating to see her lose it.  Okay there really is nothing like a mother’s love and we all know that a mother will fiercely fight for their child so it makes sense but it’s also making her even crazier than ever.  She’s not the only one though the crew has been through quite a bit lately and they’ve all changed in way or another and the kind of characterization being brought to us here is charming, interesting and downright scary in what I think of as accurate for their situation.  It’s one of the things that really makes this as good a read as it is.  

    President Blades and his trusted staff being briefed by Major Drum yeah that went as well as could be expected.  Now they all know that the builders are out there that isn’t in dispute.  So why on Earth do some of these people feel the need to shout out with righteous indignation about their plans as if humans are the end all be all and no one should mess with them.  The immediate denial of the situation and the audacity of military folks and religious leaders to think they have the final say is kind of infuriating to me.  Then again this is what we all think of when they behave, react and think of situations.  So Charles manages to bring to his audience exactly what we all expect and that’s pretty amazing.

    Aww poor Astra however is left alone with the builders who have no real understanding of humans or their need for their parents.  This isn’t going to bode well for them where this highly advanced infant is concerned.  Still seeing her finally like act like an infant and miss her mommy well that’s one of those heartbreaking moments that we’ve had so very few of in this series.  I cannot wait to see where it leads.

    Francis yeah well that snipped we get of him spinning lies into his own truth yeah that’s pretty amazing.  Certifiable or knows more than he lets on is unclear to me but the man definitely has knowledge he shouldn’t have access to.  Whether that’s due to his spies or he’s been in contact with the builders that’ll be interesting to learn.

    Alberto and Dan’s interiors continue to make this series thrive.  The amount of emotion in the characters faces and the way they act/behave, see stance and gestures, really help pull the reader into the story.  

    Oni Press has one the most interesting, intriguing and downright plausibly entertaining book on stands today.

​

0 Comments

Hercules #4

2/26/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
Hercules #4
Marvel Comics 2015
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Luke Ross
Coloured by Guru-eFX
Lettered by VC’s Joe Sabino

    The Uprising Storm has descended on New York City.  The Storm is a Pantheon of New Gods and it is eradicating all traces of old myths and traditions.  It has struck down Hercules’ old friend, the blind seer Tiresias, and has caused ancient beings to emerge from isolation, desperate for help.  As Hercules grapples with the problem his roommate Gilgamesh tries to prove that he too can be a relevant modern hero.  But beings of the most ancient myth cycle of all--the Forgotten Shadows of the Stone Age--have risen as well, and Gilgamesh has walked straight into their trap.

    It’s funny because I really was a huge fan of the Incredible Hercules run and I thought things couldn’t get better or much more interesting but Dan’s proven me wrong.  I love the fact that he’s going back to bringing Hercules back to prominence and leading him away from the drunken fool persona he’s been known for.  Then throw the fact he’s got Gilgamesh, the forgotten one, who I loved as a member of the Avengers and viola you’ve got the makings of an incredibly substantive series.  

    While i’m still not a fan of the man bun or whatever that is on top of Herc’s head and I miss his classic skirt and sandals Luke’s interiors have pretty been pretty impressive.  His eye for pages and panel layouts is fantastic and the backgrounds he uses really do wonders with the way the story progresses.  Plus while Gilgamesh is hairless Herc’s hairy chest is truly a delight to witness.  His imagination in bringing the old and by extension new god’s to life as well as Ire’s minions makes him the perfect choice in bringing Dan’s story to life.

    The idea of The Storm and a new breed of god's arising is utterly fantastic.  Herc may be out of touch when it comes to those still seeped in Mythology after having been caught up in modern times as much as he as so this old versus the new is happening in the right place.  Dan’s pacing of this story has been incredibly well done as Herc has had to wait till now to fully understand the ramifications of who or what The Storm is.  Even with Tiresias’ warning we all know Herc isn’t the brightest man in the world and yet somehow he does manage to be the most endearing frat boy ever.  

    So after Gilgamesh walked into a trap this issue and Herc rushes off to save him leaving Sophia behind some of the best action/characterization stuff happens.  Not just for Herc but for Gilgamesh, Tiresia, Ire but also for the members of The Storm.  The way we’re meeting new players in this drama has showcased why we love Dan and that he’s not just a master of Outer Space but of time/space as well.  Mythology is rich with characters most have forgotten and it’s wonderful to see so many brought back even if they are all at odds trying to just survive.  

    Dan, Luke and Guru-eFX are really bringing back the legend of Hercules and it’s a damn fine read.  

​

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.