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READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

Seven To Die

2/26/2016

Seven To Die
Aspen Novels
Written by T.G. Roberts

   Seven To Die is the electrifying debut novel by T.G. Roberts for Aspen Novels a subsidiary of Aspen Comics. This is a great action packed, fast paced introduction to Lex MacArthur and her best friend and pseudo brother Jimmy as she discovers who she really is and goes on a quest to finally find her mother. Along the way we meet her long lost uncle and the pair make new friends and potential boyfriends, as well as the perfect catalyst to her bright optimism and naivete.

   Lex and Jimmy are students in San Francisco when Lex receives a necklace from her father and finds herself beginning to change. As Lex finds herself in situations she has no control over we see a young woman transform before our eyes and we’re introduced to a world that fits beautifully into the Aspen comics realm or the world of ABC Family of television shows like Kyle XY, the Nine Lives of Chloe King, Stitchers or Shadowhunters. A new mythology is unleashed for us and as this series continues to grow and build momentum it’ll be exciting to see how much more these characters grow and change.

   Billed as an Urban Fantasy Thriller this certainly doesn’t disappoint and rewrites what we think about the branches of homosapiens and their relatives.

The Shield #2

2/26/2016

The Shield #2
Dark Circle Comics 2016
Written by Adam Christopher & Chuck Wendig
Illustrated by Drew Johnson, Ray Snyder & Al Barrionuevo
Coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettered by Rachel Deering

   It’s always interesting when you genderswap a character and then retroactively create a new history for them. In this case while it seems to borrow from Miss Liberty we are talking about the American Revolution and a woman of great power being forged in a time of war. I think what I am really enjoying about this however is the way Adam is telling this story. From the flashbacks to the present we’re getting a complete origin story as it both unfolds and as she remembers her life. Plus what they kids are doing with the interiors and the clues they’ve been giving tying to the past and present it really all comes together to make this an exceptional read.

   What Adam also made me do this issue was think about women in history. It’s funny that up until the Church officially came into being women were feared, revered and not only prominently led nations but also were respected, more so than ever since. The men’s reaction to both the women we see this issue, in 1776 mind you, just showcases the backslide they took.

   When we hit Washington DC in the present with our time lost heroine and the intrepid Detective things well they get incredibly interesting. Female duo’s have this way of either being Lucy & Ethel or Thelma & Louise it’s like a fallback instead of forging a new path. Adam doesn’t take either route with them here thankfully instead it’s completely fun, action packed, suspenseful and has just the right amount of humour. Just when you think the Detective is out of her league things switch and you are left with this whole what the heck is going vibe. It’s great because while nothing is what it seems everything is going according to someone’s plan.

   Oh our Special Agent is indeed a boys club kind of brutish a$$hat pissing of the Captain trying to throw his weight around. It’s great for a number of reasons really and among them in my mind is that the Captain is more likely to side with her Detective and keep the Agents out of the loop and work against them at some point in time. Either that or lend some form of support in other ways to shove back in his face. You never want to make enemies when you don’t have to and certainly not in such a manner as this it will come back to bite you in the tushy.

   Now i’m pretty impressed with a number of things that happen this issue. I couldn’t have expected things to happen this fast, furious and in such incredible ways. The way the Agents are able to locate and track the assets, well one asset and one detective, where the detective takes our heroine and how this issue ends all of it is the kind of stuff that reminds you why we love the industry, that we can suspend a little disbelief and realize how far technology has come from when I first started reading comics.

   I’m a huge fan of the style of artwork we see here. The attention to detail throughout is superbly done from the facial expressions to the use of backgrounds all of it really helps to bring forth emotion from the reader. The use of pages and panel layouts are expertly done to keep the flow moving in concert with the pace of the story.

   Dark Circle Comics characters are back, better and stronger than ever!

American Monster #2

2/25/2016

American Monster #2
Aftershock Comics 2016
Created & Written by Brian Azzarello
Illustrated, Lettered & Logo Design by Juan Doe

   Alright sometimes the oddest thing happens and you have no idea what’s going on but you can’t stop reading. I mean Brian’s this utterly amazing writer and he’s definitely one where I don’t even attempt to think ahead and try to figure anything out. It’s pretty pointless he’s one of those you just have to enjoy the ride, take it all in and wait for it to start making sense. In the meantime there’s just some incredible characterization, interesting characters and a town where nothing is what it seems.

   First of all who names their kid Snow, well aside from the Brother’s Grimm? Well obviously Brian does and she’s a pistol. I love her attitude, she’s sassy, irreverent and on the sly actually pretty smart. The dialogue with her mother as she’s being woken up for school demonstrates just how incredibly good Brian is at this writing gig. It’s pretty obvious that there’s a lot of tension between mother and daughter and the little taste of them here this issue really makes me happy, anxious and looking forward to seeing this explored more.

   Now she and her friends there seems to be some disconnect there. Out of all of them she seems to be the most, well let’s call it street smart or dare I say worldly. All I can figure out is that Snow’s really the only one among them curious about what happened last issue and seems to have some investment in it. Doesn’t really bother me much as seeing with her with her friends was a nice opportunity to really help get to know her a little better. Some nice characterization happening to be sure.

   I will say though that I really rather enjoyed getting to know Deputy Gary. From his questioning Theodore Montclare. Granted this guy’s a grade weirdo and he’s definitely a shady character and after the business last issue with the car and what we learn this issue. Back to Gary he’s gung ho to do his job and the man in charge, his boss the Sheriff, is pretty darn small town sheriff lazy. Oh yeah and his status in the town, well according to Peggy at the diner with the dry Meatloaf, well that’s something else too. I gotta say the more I read through this issue the more the characterization and the dialogue keep me not only entertained but seriously wanting more.

   Then there’s everything else we see this issue. Theodore’s actions, the dead dog, Snow’s dad and business, uhm contact?, all of it conspires to create this incredibly small complex town that reeks of corruption. Maybe it’s me, that i’m projecting but then again maybe it’s just me being astute, yes i’m hoping for the latter, but hello and goodbye this is the kind of writing and story that a reader can eat up, read multiple times and still find something new to obsess on or have revealed.

   Then there’s Juan’s interiors. They are gritty and dark and full of this life and expression that really sinks its teeth into the story. His style here is utterly fantastic and completely suited to the story. It really does add this whole dimension to what’s going on. Plus his eye for pages and panel layouts highlighting everything you need to see is amazingly well done.

   With stories like this one Aftershock is the hottest company of 2016 and it looks like it’s only going to get better.

Citizen Jack #4

2/24/2016

Citizen Jack #4
Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Sam Humphries
Created & Illustrated by Tommy Patterson
Coloured by Jon Alderink
Lettered by Rachel Deering

   Each issue that comes out get a little more crazy and off the rails with Jack Northworthy. Going back and seeing him as a teenager at the hockey game when we open this issue goes to show just how desperate he was for his father’s approval. While this isn’t anything new it was a great time to introduced a catalyst for Marlinspike to enter the picture. I also have to say that Tommy’s depiction of father and son here was great it’s like looking at a clone, I mean they really are almost the same man and I’m kind living for that.

   I have to believe the actions depicted in the opening set the stage for the rest of Jack’s not so spectacular life. Either that or it’s just his hallucinating past events that may or may not have played out that way. Since we go to a scene where Jack doesn’t look so good and cannot find and I quote “that purple bastard” i’m going to say that it did happen.

   From there this whole issue goes places I honestly had expected them too. Not only do we learn more about what Marlinspike wants but Jack’s father and his campaign manager as well. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Jack’s dad has come back into the picture after all his son is running for President and the man’s more interested in being famous and in positions of power than his son.

   It’s never enough to get someone on the hook, because once you get him there you need to push him all the way over the edge. This Marlinspike has been keeping Jack strung along nicely and we see just how much influence he had and continues to grow with him. It isn’t really surprising to me that Jack is a loser and doesn’t feel like he can win the election alone or with Donna helping him. Still when we see how it all plays out both with the past and here in the present Marlinspike takes on a whole new aspect that i’m so incredibly engrossed by.

   I do very much like what we see Donna get up to this issue. She knows Jack has been saying Marlinspike and now it’s time for research to figure out what that means. Suddenly it seems that this whole supernatural craziness is taking center stage and it definitely makes things that much more interesting. Even more so with the events we see this issue as Marlinspike strengthens his hold on Jack. I also have to say that the whole background information we’re getting on Jack here makes things even weirder and more entertaining, the man has always been seriously messed up and Sam takes it to a whole new level here.

   I’m a fan of Tommy’s, he is super nice guy too. His work so far has been impressive and I love his style, attention to detail, use of backgrounds, page and panel layouts are all extremely well done. He has a great eye to keep of the flow of the story moving forward. Plus i’m still super impressed with how father and son look so alike. There are plenty of stand out pages in this issue but one goes above and beyond the res and it’s got Marlinspike and Jack’s father’s dogs in it. That is one incredibly pin-up style page and shouldn’t be missed.

   Image is where imagination comes to flourish.

Birthright #14

2/23/2016

Birthright #14
Skybound Image Comics 2014
Created & Written by Joshua Williamson
Created & Illustrated by Andrei Bressan
Coloured by Adriano Lucas
Lettered by Pat Brosseau

   It’s rare when a series can sustain not only your interest but manages to surprise, thrill and shock you as it continually evolves and grows. This issue goes far beyond what I could have anticipated as it goes back to it’s roots, see the first issue, and brings back things that as a reader it’s easy to have forgotten. I’ve been a fan of Joshua’s for what feels like forever and that I can still get excited by what he’s doing is fantastic.

   Just when you thought Rya and Wendy’s adventure couldn’t get any more interesting another player is added into the mix. Leslie Mast is one of the richest women in the world she also happens to be one of the mages from Terrenos. I have got to tell ya the women in this series are seriously underrated and what they can do is pretty badass! All things considered Rya’s always been a warrior and Wendy now that she’s accepting the truth is on board and there really is nothing more dangerous than a mother protecting her young but Leslie’s a different story. A powerful mage, well at least how we are seeing things, who has this whole it’s all about me and my comforts outlook and she’s got knowledge that she seeming shouldn’t have makes her incredibly more dangerous and powerful in my eyes.

   When we see Mikey and Brennan this issue i was absolutely thrilled. I mean finally everything that’s been building up since Brennan first glimpsed Mikey’s passenger is finally coming to head! The frustration and anger at being lied to, manipulated and treated like a child has bubbled to the surface. Now granted for me it was like a scene out of Supernatural but then I”m a huge fan of that show so this Dean/Sam moment was perfectly portrayed. So much emotion came forth for us that it seriously was so charged and electrifying to see unfold.

   Ah Aaron and our double agent get some nice face time today as well. Dad is freaking awesome and he’s a handsome fella but he really isn’t the brightest crayon in the box now is he. Still he’s being manipulated by a master and it’s clear he’s really doing a number on him. I’m not surprised that it’s unfolding like this however because Aaron is desperate for someone to believe him and in his sons and he doesn’t think he can count on his wife. So when he finds someone who is willing to “help” him he jumps at the chance more blindly than he should. Granted he didn’t have much choice but the whole getting to know your enemy and the Stockholm Syndrome that i’m seeing, to a degree mind you, not only makes incredible sense but also is very character developing.

   Oh throughout the course of this series i’ve become a huge fan of Andrei’s work. His interpretation of these worlds, their characters and what is capable has been inspiring. His eye for detail and the attention spent on each page/panel has always been a joy to see. I cannot wait for the day he’s able to do a blank sketch cover for me!

   Every time it seems something major is going to happen something comes along to change the course of the mighty river that is flowing. Can’t wait to see what gamechanger is in store next!

The Black Hood #9

2/21/2016

The Black Hood #9
Dark Circle Comics 2015
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Illustrated by Greg Scott
Coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettered by Rachel Deering

   Greg and his partner have tracked down Jack “Jackie” Mortimer the old man who was with his friend when the men in the van snatched him. Word on the street says he’s the one to talk to when you want to know something. There’s a reason for that and it’s one we get to see this issue. I’m incredibly impressed with how Duane has been telling this story from the start and this issue only cements that for me.

   I really like the way this issue came out. With the background information we get on Jackie and the life he used to lead and how he ended up where he is. Then the now part where Greg keeps running into everything full steam ahead instead of thinking or training yeah it’s equally as telling. Both of these vignettes are intertwined and the way it’s been done is pretty darn masterful.

   It really is a kind of tale of two lives that seem to have been following the same path. Men driven by careers finding love and then having it all crash down around them. Well Greg’s hasn’t fallen down around him yet, yet being the operative term. Still with the way he’s carrying on without proper training and with the revelations from previous issues well it won’t be long indeed till his world is upside down.

   I will say this though the events of this issue did manage to surprise me as well. While we knew the bad guys had figured out Greg’s identity from the motorcycle’s plates the way Duane had this play out here for us was fantastic. Yes there is some extreme violence in the meeting of Greg and these folks but then that’s expected and his unmasking by them was something to be expected all things considered. However how all of this was set-up so that this meeting was to occur wasn’t what I was prepared for. Also the manner in which it is revealed to us in how this did go down was just plain brilliant.

   This really does go against the grain of any hero book i’ve ever read and that’s part of huge success for me. That this is told in such a fashion by a man so damaged by himself and too I would almost proud to go about things any other way makes Greg not really an anti-hero but just someone who's struggling to find his new place in the world. While we can see what he needs to do and he seemingly cannot adds to the human quality of the man that sets him apart in a field already crowded.

   Greg’s addition to the series has been flawless executed as well. His style and attention to detail has been so much fun to see. While he and Kelly keep the same dark gritty overall tone the new focus on details for me has been a huge surprise. Seeing Greg as this handsome man still even with half his face the way he is and the struggle we see on it is great. The attention to detail in the clothing and in the past sequences or with Jackie as this seemingly demented old drunk shine. I hadn’t realized how much detail we’d been missing before but now that we’re seeing it it makes incredibly happy.

   This is one of a rare breed of books that can be enjoyed simply because of the level of talent on display. Gritty crime noir or fledgling superhero wannabe it doesn’t matter because this is a gripping tale of one’s man life and how he finds himself and that is something everyone can relate to.

The Steam Man #5

2/21/2016

The Steam Man #5 (of 5)
Dark Horse Comics 2015
Story by Joe R. Linsdale
Written by Mark Alan Miller
Illustrated by Piotr Kowalski
Coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot

   This really has been one of the most unexpected delightful stories i’ve come across. I admit I read an insane amount of books each week, that’s the pitfall of reviewing, and sometimes it’s hard to find something that is unique and stands out as something you haven’t seen before and this one did that. I’m glad that when the first issue came out I gave this a shot.

   In the opening we go back to Feather hanging upside down nailed to a cross. Thank you Piotr for demonstrating to everyone the proper way to hang someone from the cross! It amazes me how many people aren’t aware of the proper way to present that instead relying upon the changed “church” depiction which well wouldn’t hold anyone up for long. Also for a couple years now i’ve been a huge fan of Piotr’s and each outing that fandom is rewarded, this issue when he shows us what happens with Feather and what he goes through it really is so magnificently done and it demonstrates the man’s will, grit and determination not to mention pain, agony and sheer force of his will just through his work.

   Beadle was taken by the Dark Rider and it seems for all intent and purpose that hope has been lost. I love what we see here because it’s old school torture at it’s finest. No silly creativity in doing things just plain effective old fashioned make a man scream by doing what we now think of as the classics. Plus what we see fits in perfectly with the time period this is set in. Let me tell you I had my big toenails removed by a Doctor and the pain was manageable only with a lot of numbing so to see that happen here to Beadle without that my toes curled up and I empathized with what he went through. This is the kind of writing and illustration that really gets the reader where it counts too. To feel that connected to what’s happening is a hallmark of an incredibly well written story.

   I loved the way this issue progressed and the way the characters overcome their obstacles to persevere the way they do. Even when things look to be at their darkest good men will find a way to set things right and that is clearly evident here. The journey we’ve been taken on has been wonderful, as from the start the men of the Steam Man didn’t know if they would survive this but undertook it anyway. Sure I would have loved to learn how they created this Steam Man to begin with but that wasn’t necessary as it was more about these men and what they were striving to do and that came across until the very last page.

   Part of me marvels at how this fictional story mirrors real life. The journey may be noble but the complete it one must face those obstacles placed in front of them and they may not always be what you expect them to be. No matter what you encounter you have the ability to overcome them and for better or for worse you’ll be changed by them. This has been a rare opportunity to see characters grow, change and evolve in ways that showcase what the human spirit is all about.

Eternal Soulfire #6

2/21/2016

Eternal Soulfire #6 (of 6)
Aspen Comics 2015
Written by J.T. Krul
Penciled by Alex Konat
Inked by Julie Salvatierra & Mark Roslan
Coloured by JUANCHOo
Lettered by Josh Reed

   Miya and her warriors, with Cassidy in tow, managed to fight off the S.W.A.T. Team led by Maddix, but not before suffering a few scars of their own along the way. Following the battle, Taki realized a great weight was lifted off of his shoulders, as he could finally embrace the magic surrounding his life. However, in her subsequent attempt to revive the spirit of her long passed father, Miya discovered that her quest all of this time may actually have led to her ultimate demise…

   Now that I’ve had a chance to read the final chapter of this arc I can appreciate a lot more what J.T.’s done here. Not only has this introduced us a group of new characters that inhabit the Soulfire Universe and showcased Miya but it’s perfect for both new and longtime fans alike. I’ve been a fan of J.T.’s for some time now but this arc really demonstrates why I gravitate to what he writes. There are so many layers to this story that emerge in this issue that surprise the reader and set the stage for future stories. It is such good, strong solid stuff that it’s a pleasure to read.

Then wrap that up in the interior artwork and wow. The Soulfire Universe has always had exceptional artists and colourists on their books that’s a given after all with the subject matter you really need that to shine through in the Turner fashion.   I think Alex is an amazing artist, who one day I hope I will be able to something done by him, and JUANCHOo has proven to be a very inspired colourist. The hair, the wings the focus on magic and that sparkly stuff or even the darkness we see in the resurrected dragon it all combines to envelope the reader in this mystical, fantastical and awe inspiring world.

I’m fascinated by what Miya thought was going to happen and singular focus allowed her to be mislead and manipulated. Evani’s mission to do what she did and set up things for the next arc were handled beautifully and make her someone to be feared and respected. She kind of reminds me of a version of Mata Hari, beautiful-deadly and smart, in a sense and that really appeals to me. Cass and Lily’s friendship only strengthens here and when Evani sees the kind of power Cass possess it’s obvious why she’s been spotlighted since the beginning, not only to showcase how anyone’s life can change but because she has a larger destiny or just a big role to play in upcoming events.

There are a few things about the ending of this issue that really struck me. The conversation between Cass and Miya was phenomenal and for such a teenage girl who for the most has been lost and now found a inner strength that was a defining moment for me. Then with Cass and Lily and the showcase of the aftermath of what happened yeah that also was telling and interesting. Plus what we see with Evani and that reveal well yeah it leaves me excited for what’s next.

The next wave of Aspen comics is here and it’s in good hands and it’s got solid and powerful storytelling to keep it alive.

Huck #4

2/20/2016

Huck #4
Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Mark Millar
Created & Illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque
Coloured by Dave McCaig
Lettered & Designed by Nate Piekos of Blambot

   We open this issue in Siberia as we see a very pregnant young woman running for her life and being pursued. Now if you haven’t been reading this series, A. jump to it already and B. this is more than likely Huck’s mom. It’s not a huge leap in thinking with everything we’ve seen thus far and the fact that the way Rafael portrays here is very similar to the way we see Huck in action. It’s a beautifully crafted sequence from Rafael.

   Back in Maine Tom tells Huck and his extended family about their mother and what she went through to get away from the Soviets. I’ll wholeheartedly admit that while the similarities between the boys is astonishing the entire time you read this the characterization and dialogue screams out a warning to the reader. Huck is so loving and caring so maybe it’s sheer projection on my part but something just doesn’t seem right. How does Tom know so much about their mother and everything she went through?

   This is Mark writing one hell of a story that’s not only plausible but raises a boat load of questions. We know that facts mesh and there are plenty of truths but then if Tom’s his brother then how does he all this and yet has no idea where mom currently is? Huck has some abilities that Tom doesn’t the whole Empathy thing where he can find anything at all. Still what Tom tells them is incredibly in sync with the opening.

   When the boys set off to find their mother it really is some of the most heartwarming and telling stuff we’ve seen. Huck is such a good man he lives by his own code of rules and is honest and caring in ways we all should strive for. I love seeing Tom watch Huck and be in awe of him, his character and his actions. There are moments throughout their journey that make you think you were wrong about Tom and that he’s on the up and up.

This road trip the boys take is amazingly well done. Mark’s writing and Rafael’s interiors it just has this whole feel to it that’s so opposite of what we think of anymore. Right up to the ending where the boys meet their mother.

This story is beyond what I could have ever expected or hoped for. Mark has proven his mettle and skill time and time again and then something like this comes along and you realize he’s got so much more in him that wants out. From concept to plot to execution there’s simply nothing about this book you can actually find fault with. Heck even with everything he’s given us on the pages we still see more and explore in our minds in ways that may or may not be intentional but are most certainly a key to keeping us coming back time and again.

Rafael too brings his best and brightest yet to the table. The tone, feel and emotions he can eek from a reader through his work here is astonishing. His use of pages and panel layouts and with some background when needed it just moves me as a reader in ways that you didn’t know you could be reached.

This is perfectly flawless in every way, shape and form.

Secret Six #11

2/20/2016

Secret Six #11
DC Comics 2015
Written by Gail Simone
Penciled by Dale Eaglesham
Inked by Tom Derenick
Coloured by Jason Wright
Lettered by Travis Lanham

   So I’ve been trying to play catch up now that i’m able to get to a local shoppe and this is one of those series that I think Gail’s always managed to excel at. Plus from what I can see the mix of characters has greatly intrigued me! Now while i’m not too terribly sure about this incarnation of Ralph he does certainly have his own unique charm and way about him that blends with this group beautifully. Plus that he resembles Bibbo or some old time crime beat reporter adds a little something extra to the character that I can get behind.

   When we see Catman walking the dog and the fly/goat thingie in the park it demonstrated what I feel is the best and worst of this universe all at once. I absolutely adore the way Blake is being portrayed here! He’s become such a phenomenal character since being brought back into prominence and gotten away from his “joke” status. He really has become one of my favourite DC characters and it surprises me a little bit all things considered. Plus Gail knows this man inside and out and continues to flesh him out in subtle ways that just adhere him to the audience. Her characterization, storytelling abilities and ability to amaze readers shines in this feature with guest star Batgirl.

   Ah Batgirl now here’s where the worst comes into play. This version to me is at best a Year One version of the character or more suited to be played by Stephanie Brown. Suddenly we’ve gone from grown up Barbara to teenage wannabe who’s lost not only her fashion sense but most of her skills as well. In the way the meeting with Thomas Blake plays out this is as evident as it possibly could be. The “real” Batgirl could’ve handled Blake much better than we see here instead it felt like a petulant teenager trying to beat up an adult.

   After the purpose of Batgirl’s presence is revealed we switch gears to the house where everyone else is. Again I absolutely adore Gail and what she can do the characterization here is beyond description. I mean really aside from learning about Mary’s past before becoming Strix and Porcelain’s attempt at making her beautiful it’s really Shawna that kind of steals the spotlight. There are moments that just stick out like a neon sign at night on a lonely deserted highway and you just marvel at what you see.

   Ah then there’s the kind of double ending with Sue reaching out to Ralph about remembering him and wanting to come home balanced by the appearance a woman. Though why she looks like Cheshire and sounds like Talia when she is who she is beyond me but i’ll roll with it. How this particular line-up can hope to stand up to her should be interesting when it’s my humble opinion that Strix and Blake are the most accomplished fighters.

   Dale, Tom and Jason nail the interiors! Just the attention to detail in their street clothes or the backgrounds heck even the poop in the bag it all just makes you believe this is real. That they aren’t some mysterious group of spandex clad folks who are their powers but instead we see the emotions and feelings and everything else under the sun shine through their faces and body language.

   While I missed Ragdoll and Scandal this issue it doesn’t matter because this creative team is beyond amazing. What they continue to do with this series, granted i’ve only read the past three issues, makes me happy I can read it.