Blog Archives - READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

The Belfry

2/24/2017

The Belfry
Image Comics 2017
By Gabriel Hardman

   This is a little one and done from Gabriel and I have to say I surely wouldn’t mind more of these from him. I know he took the idea of this from a pin-up he did a while back and decided to flesh that out and i’m all for things that organically coming into being.   Plus it’s horror and it isn’t the modern stuff that’s full of shock, awe and gore it’s more subtle and seeps into your bones then stays there.   My kind of stuff for sure and hopefully for you as well.

   Love the way this story is told as we see the now and the aftermath of what’s happened and it’s like waking up in the middle of a nightmare. You have to sit up shake the cobwebs out and remember what’s happened.   I absolutely adore that much of the storytelling is done visually as well. You do not need a lot of dialogue or narration in order to put a high impact story. The right visuals, the right reaction of the character to what they are seeing usually is more than enough in my humble opinion.

   There’s a great use of page layouts here with the angles, perspective and how he utilises the backgrounds is utterly impressive and amazing to see. I like that it’s all muted tones and not bright colours as that kind of gives it this whole throwback vibe to when black and white movies were the only way to see movies. It’s got a special vibe to it that while highly stylised gives off a more old-fashioned feel which for me is what makes this a stand out. The attention to detail here is astonishing and the designs of the characters, clothing and those that live in The Belfry are spectacularly done.

   I have to say the way this book is structured took me by surprise. It almost felt like things should end very quickly but then things go a different route.   I love the feeling of suspense and fear that is infused into the story. The way the main character doesn’t know what’s going on or even the fact of what is real has him and us in this anxious state that translates extremely well.

   You can see influences here to those earlier days of horror in what Gabriel does with this. That he manages to pay the respect he does and continue to make this as thoroughly modern as it is is spectacular.   The Belfry for me is a modern day look at what Universal Monsters would look like if it debuted today. Full of cerebral and abject terror that is swept up in a story that takes its characters to the brink of madness and beyond.

   Are you ready to meet those that live in The Belfry?

Rough Riders: Riders on the Storm #1

2/24/2017

Rough Riders: Riders on the Storm #1
Aftershock Comics 2017
Written by Adam Glass
Illustrated by Pat Olliffe
Coloured by Gabe Eltaeb
Lettered by Sal Cipriano

   Three years have passed since the Rough Riders' last adventure, but when an assassin's bullet takes President William McKinley's life, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt is thrust into the role of Commander in Chief. As a country mourns the loss of their leader, Roosevelt believes that the assassin is part of a bigger conspiracy, one whose tentacles reach back to Europe and whose intentions are to destroy humanity through world- wide ANARCHY.

   I have to admit that I missed this book and i’m glad we didn’t have to wait too long for a new arc to hit. I find it interesting that so much time has passed since their initial adventure and that they haven’t kind of been working together regularly. Perhaps part of me wished to see that while after reading this issue there really is only so much they could do together without really interrupting their own personal timelines. Something I think that Adam keeps in mind when writing this.

   I am a huge fan of the fact that Adam keeps things real and yet embellishes to fit the story. So that this was the actual date and how Teddy rose to the Presidency well it’s nicely done. Then adding in the technology that shouldn’t exist and this motley crew that never worked publically together and it’s why it’s Historical Fiction. Also kudos for keeping some educational value amidst the entertainment value here that’s all too underrated nowadays.

   Pat is so gosh darned talented and seeing the attention to detail he brings to this is kind of astonishing. From the World’s Fair building to the likeness in Teddy to the way the clothes move and feel it’s all got this great sense about them. Plus his likenesses are stunning to see and the facial expressions and body language do as much for their characterisation as the writing. The use of page layouts through the angles, perspective and those all important backgrounds really do show off the larger picture of what’s happening.

   So this issue is the introduction to the new arc and the bringing the gang back together. With one addition it seems that Monk Eastman is being given a second chance to tag along. I find that interesting as well so we’ll see how that goes and I full well remember him being sent into the Hudson River during the last arc after failing Teddy’s test. If you have no idea what i’m talking about and this is new to you have no worries! This is actually a great jumping on point for new readers. It has the right amount of explanation, or catching up, to bring new and established fans alike up to speed.

   Aftershock is still knocking it out of the park with the quality of storytelling they bring to the industry.   This book is a prime example of the power that history has and how it can fuel the imagination to create something larger than life!

Highlander American Dream #1

2/24/2017

Highlander the American Dream #1
IDW Publishing 2017
Written by Brian Ruckley
Illustrated by Andrea Mutti
Coloured by Vladimir Popov
Lettered by Chris Mowry

   I will wholeheartedly admit that I was only a casual fan of the movie and the subsequent television series. The premise behind it is fantastic, the idea that immortals run around chopping each other’s heads off until only one remains well it’s just dark and dangerous enough to balance that idea of immortality. So that being said what Brian brings us this issue not only reaffirms that about the premise for me but starts things off with a reunion, a potential trap and background information on our characters. All in all he really makes this a nice jumping on point for new readers and that quick refresher for longtime fans.

   I’m actually very impressed with the writing here and the way the issue unfolds. I like how we open things up and then backtrack to their first encounter with one another. It’s always nice to get that hard strong look at how friendships are made between people and in this case ones who are destined to square off against each other at some point in time is even more profound. To go with that the characterisation is delightful and I do feel like we get a nice look at who the characters are. Not what they are about that still has yet to come but then again this is only the first issue.

   To be honest I had expected things to take a much different turn as the issue unfolded. So kudos to Brian for seeming to go down one route and instead take us in another direction. Very nicely played sir. Though we do get to see one moment that speaks volumes and could be something that is potentially disastrous for them, depending on whom it is and what he represents that is. I mean c’mon we couldn’t exactly go the whole time without some intrigue peeking in now could we.

   I think Andrea was a brilliant choice in artist to bring this story to life. He’s an amazing talent and his eye for storytelling is superb. His attention to detail is one of those things that I really appreciate and that he uses backgrounds so well just makes this series pop already. The use of page layouts through angles and perspective are utilised brilliantly and keep that cinematic feel to the events. Also I like that the characters aren’t made to look like the actors who portrayed them it’s give him more leeway to really flesh them out and make them his own.

   I have no idea if the Highlander story ended or how it ended or if by some miracle it’s still ongoing but I will say that for the foreseeable future i’ll be reading this.   This has the right blend action/adventure, intrigue and drama to go along with the whole idea of an immortal. It’s not always easy to find a book based on a franchise that can stand on it’s own but these fine folks have done just that.

Street Fighter vs. Darkstalkers #0

2/24/2017

Street Fighter vs. Darkstalkers #0
Udon Entertainment 2017
Written by Matt Moylan
Illustrated by Hanzo Steinbach
Lettered by Marshall Dillon

   Well after that arc in Street Fighter Unlimited we kind of saw what happened with Gill I mean he went to a bad place and met someone. So this is the story that stems from that encounter and I have to say I like the fact that his coincides with the Unlimited series and yet even if you haven’t read it you can still pick this up with no worries, completely new reader friendly.

   The opening here is well done and brings us up to date on what’s happening, sort of. Jedah and Gill return to Jedah’s home to reclaim his spot and thus sets the stage for the next part of their story. What that is we don’t know but we do learn a few things and chief among them is why he needs Gill right now.   I will say I like this a lot and gives us this potential for something interesting and duplicitous to happen and visually speaking it really felt like it was on level with some Cardcaptor Sakura or a like minded series.

   Then we’re off to Egypt as a man and his man servant are chasing down a legendary tomb of a lost Pharaoh. Again this has all the feel, mood and tone of one those incredibly fun and interesting animated series. I’d watch this in a heartbeat as it mixes the Street Fighter action with some Tomb Raider and even aspects of Yu Gi Oh.

   Azam and his Master have some great high tech equipment to help them find the burial chamber of Anakaris, the Resurrection Pharaoh. The writing here is fantastic, the way the story unfolds for us wonderful, the characterisation is delightful and we really get drawn into this and want to see these two with their own spin-off story. It also makes us wonder what’s so special about these two that we are focusing so intently upon them?

   So this was a full length sneak peek at the what we have to look forward to for this story arc. There’s fun, excitement, danger and that whole aspect of the franchise that makes it what it is--fight sequences! Actually I am pretty impressed with how Matt is able to create a story that has all these elements and still can feature some great fight scenes. The franchise was created around fighting and to be able to keep that front and center while still telling an intricate and involved story is something to be admired.

   I’ve already mentioned that the interiors rival anything we’ve seen in animated series and it does and I love that about it. The use of page layouts with their angles and perspective really do wonders in bringing this to life. I love the attention to detail in the work we see as well since it elevates the work and shows off the creativity and imagination beautifully. From the Pharaoh to Jedah’s coat to the blood statue we see the work has this oomph to it that hits just right.

   Udon is doing some absolutely amazing things with this franchise and if you want to have some “after school” fun again you need this in your life!

The Old Guard #1

2/23/2017

The Old Guard #1
Image Comics 2017
Written by Greg Rucka
Illustrated by Leandro Fernandez
Coloured by Daniela Miwa
Lettered by Jodi Wynne

The story of old soldiers who never die…and yet cannot seem to fade away. Trapped in an immortality without explanation, Andromache of Scythia—“Andy”—and her comrades ply their trade for those who can find—and afford—their services. But in the 21st century, immortality is a hard secret to keep, and when you live long enough, you learn that there are many fates worse than death.

So of course with Rucka writing this I knew I was going to read it what I wasn’t expecting however was what I did read. This was actually kind of harshly stark, honest and deceptively transparent all at the same time. I mean okay sure we knew that at some point this was going to happen but not in the opening as we get to see these characters for the first time.

I do like that we get to see them the way we do, specially Andy as she’s one hell of a character. The characterisation is strong and we get a good sense of who she is and how her interactions with the others make her the boss. Also there’s plenty of room for exploration from what’s introduced to us and that we see is a base it’s just smartly done. Also having lived as long as they have I wonder if they all partake in pleasures of the flesh with anyone that suits the moments fancy. Immortality to me would suggest that sex is something for fun and exercise and gender preference is something only thought of in the moment.

There is something about the idea of what they do that intrigues me. I guess if you are a warrior and that’s how you discovered your immortality then you’d spend lifetimes honing that. You need money to live and even more of it to hide so the specifics here are what fascinate and it’s something we get nothing of. It’s the fact that what Greg has introduced and then let the reader run off with their imagination on the subject is something he’s good at. As the story goes on i’m sure we’ll learn more about them and how they’ve not been found out but until then it’s like a guarantee that the reader will be back.

The artwork is interesting to me. Themen anyway are not what I’d consider attractive by any stretch of the imagination and yet they have this unique charm to their features. The use of page layouts with their angles and perspective are nicely done. When the backgrounds are utilised to their fullest it works best and the mood, tone and feel they provide are invaluable.

First issues are tricky business you want to get folks excited about your book, not reveal too much and find that precarious balance where you hook the reader. Fortunately Greg’s such a talented writer and this is textbook first issue goodness. I’m intrigued to see where this is going to go moving forward and eager to learn about their pasts and how they are going to deal with the events we see this issue. Plus how did they obtain their immortality and can their job or lives ever be finished? So much to look forward to folks!

Darkness Visible #1

2/23/2017

Darkness Visible #1
IDW Publishing 2017
Written by Mike Casey & Arvind Ethan David
Illustrated by Brendan Cahill
Coloured by Joana LaFuente
Lettered by Shawn Lee

   When the demons came, humanity reluctantly learned to share the world with another sentient race. Eighty years later, this uneasy co-existence has spawned an endless terrorist conflict. Detective Daniel Aston, charged with being the thin blue line between the two sides, is tested to the limit when a demon sets up house inside his soul. But to save his daughter, he'll pay any price—including genocide.

   Well well well I wasn’t quite sure how this was going to go but that didn’t really matter when Mike’s involved you know it’s going to be interesting. It certainly is too as we see a world where the Shaitan and humans live side by side creating a new world order. Of course the old one is still kind of in place as well but the difference is that certain humans have embraced being merged with demons. So what does that mean? Humans merging with Demons well simply put a corrupt human who accepts a demon to host well let’s just say that bad guys well that takes on a whole new meaning.

   There’s also an interesting look at prejudice here too. Makes me think it’s almost human nature to think ill of someone different than yourself. Are there exceptions to every rule sure but are there enough to change the way you think is doubtful at least that’s what i’m seeing here. I do really like the characterisation here between father and daughter as we get to see first hand how such prejudices can worm their way into a Detective’s mind. Then again when you see the same types of people doing the crimes over and over again it’s easy to see why you think and feel the way you do.

   There is some beautiful work happening on the interiors here. We get to see creativity and imagination on full display with the depiction of these demons. There’s some really nice attention to detail here and I have to say i’m pretty impressed with the use of backgrounds in this book! They do a great job of setting the stage and telling the bigger picture and we need to see more of that. The page layout with their angles and perspective well well utilised so the flow visually is very strong. Brendan and Joana make a solid team on this one.

   That Mike and Arvind are able to keep us surprised by the turning of events and waste no time in setting things up for us is fantastic. There’s a bit of a mystery about what’s going on and who intends for what to happen and while as a reader we can speculate that draws us into the story further. The way the story itself flows is extremely well done and it’s easy to see why an event happens and what that will mean for a character moving forward.

   From premise, set-up to execution this is an incredibly strong first issue that engages the reader and makes them think beyond the scope of the story while keeping them entertained.

Crypt of Screams #1

2/22/2017

Crypt of Screams #1
American Mythology Productions 2017
Written & Illustrated by Mike Wolfer
Gray Tones by Ceci De La Cruz & Perry Macnamee
Lettered by Natalie Jane & Pat Brosseau

   It’s kind of funny I was recently lamenting the loss of old series like House of Secrets, The Witching Hour and House of Mystery. The old horror series were some of the most creative books i’ve had the pleasure to find. The art is beautiful, haunting and can creep out the best of us and the writing had to be inventive time and again to make it work. Why do I bring this up because the esteemed Mike Wolfer has brought back that old feel in this new series.

   This is an anthology series so we get three short stories in this debut issue. I’m more than a little impressed by this too because I think it’s harder to tell short stories than longer ones. You’ve got a short amount of time to hook the reader in and deliver the twist and then it’s over so the timing is crucial. I’ve been a fan of Mike’s for a long time now and if there’s one thing the man can do is tell a story regardless of how much time there is to tell it.

   Another rather impressive thing about this is that Mike does the artwork as well. It’s rare these days for someone to do both the writing and art chores in a series but man let me tell ya there isn’t anything he can’t do well. The artwork here is sublime and the attention to detail, the use of backgrounds not to mention the use of page layouts through angles and perspective really pack a solid punch. As if it weren’t enough each story has a much different time, place and feel to it and it’s reflected in his artwork. The range that we see here is astonishing.

   Each story as I’ve said takes place in a different time and place so if one isn’t one your thing then wait there are two more. The Western story took me surprise and I have to admit I found it fascinating and completely fresh and original. The Romance story is beautiful, dark and deadly and there’s no getting around that you reap what you sow. Finally we get a Science Fiction style story. Individually each and every one of these has a strong enough premise to warrant a full length feature feature and yet that they manage to be short, sweet and succinct blows me away.

   This is one of those series that if you A. enjoy horror stories, B. like well told stories with excellent characterisation and solid premises or C. just enjoy being swept away in something that will keep you enrapt to the page and entertained throughout then you need to call your shoppe or subscription service and see if they carry this. If not make em order it it’s through Diamond so they’ll be able to get it for you.

   By the way the black and white style of storytelling really was the best decision in making this come to life like it does. While colour is exciting this really brings me back to those classic stories that managed to evoke the chills inside me.

Justice League of America #1

2/22/2017

Justice League of America #1
DC Comics 2017
Written by Steve Orlando
Penciled by Rod Reis
Inked by Joe Prado, Oclair Albert & Julio Ferreira
Coloured by Marcelo Maiolo
Lettered by Clayton Cowles

   While the Rebirth issue gave us the who and kind of the why Batman wanted these to be the members of the Justice League of America and it certainly felt like the team was solidified by the end of that issue. Though this issue makes me feel like there are still reservations among the members about being a part of the team. It’s almost like i’m missing a few pages here which is something i’m not used to from Steve.

   That aside i have to say i’m excited for this series. In terms of characters this is seemingly a very eclectic mix of characters. Power wise it’s a stacked deck when you think about it, Vixen, Lobo, Canary and the Ray all have some serious weight behind them and Frost well yeah with the right training and focus another powerhouse. The fact that Bats chose these individuals, even if settling for Ryan instead of Ray, was that use of his brain that we love, knowing what they are capable of and what they could potentially mean. It really is the mix of characters here that has me the most excited about reading this series.

   Kind of blown away by the interior artwork here too. There were moments I had to double check to see what artist was working on this because the attention to detail, the linework and the overall feel, tone and mood is astonishingly good. These guys have seriously outdone themselves and may be producing the absolute best work they’ve ever done here. The use of the page layouts utilising angles, perspective and the backgrounds here made this a stunning book indeed. Plus the colouring has that pop when needed, see Mari’s animals or the fire, to set itself apart from the the rest.

   The way Steve structures the story is so strong. From one scene to the next it’s a transition that gives us the look at what the characters are doing and thinking in regard to each other and to the team. I do like particularly like the Black Canary/Ray segment and Ryan’s fear of Frost is somewhat entertaining it’s all about Lobo right now for me. What the heck could Batman possibly have over him that would get the Main Man to join this team and play hero? It’s one of those things that you are both dying to know and dread finding out because the mystery is over and perhaps he’ll leave the team at that time.

   This issue was extremely ambitious and it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I mean forget starting off small or even throwing them right into the deep end nope Steve went straight for depositing them in the Mariana’s Trench! Wow didn’t see this coming and i’m more than a little shocked and amazed to see the return of these characters. Granted I can’t wait now for next issue to see how this is going to keep playing out.   I would’ve been happy with the Royal Flush Gang for cryin in the mud now but this, this is a wow moment.

   Finally a Justice League of America series I can be excited about again.

Quantum Teen Are Go #1

2/22/2017

Quantum Teens Are Go #1
Black Mask Studios 2017
Created & Written by Magdalene Visaggio
Created & Illustrated by Eryk Donovan
Coloured by Claudia Aguirre
Lettered by Zakk Saam

   Mad science is the punkest shit there is. Teenage sweethearts Nat & Sumesh spend their nights breaking into abandoned superlabs to steal the parts they need to build a time machine -- and they've just found the most important part. But mysterious entities keep trying to stop them turning it on. Now all they've gotta do is hang on long enough to figure out why.

   I’m already a fan of this, the story premise alone that’s it all based on “real” kids who have this love and passion for science in ways that boggle the imagination was all I really needed to know. Throw in that Nat is or was Brandon and is currently Sumesh’s girlfriend it really takes that whole interest factor to level that surprised, shocked and thrilled the hell out of me. Also kudos for the transitioning Nat it’s nice to see more characters in comics represent those in the real world, though why we don’t see female to male is a question i’ll ask.

   So right off the bat with the opening we are led to understand that science in this reality has a whole new level and scope of understanding than our own. Or else somewhere abandoned laboratories are guarded by humanoid robots and i’ve been missing my chances to raid them.   The idea that Sumesh is a tinkerer and can make fantastic devices using scavenged parts is one that is fantastic I mean some of the best scientists, inventors and builders did the same thing. In all the opening really shows us what Nat and Sumesh are like, who plays what role as Nat’s the natural born fighter and gives us a solid look at their personalities.

   I do very much like the interiors here as well. They have some really nice attention to detail, the backgrounds in use are so well utilised to complete the bigger picture and there’s this really nice style going on where the people are concerned.   There really is a great quality to the work that I find attractive and unique so i’m totally into it. Plus the use of page layouts with their angles and perspective are really well done.

   It’s a beautifully done first issue. The structure of the story is superb and it really introduces us to these characters, their personalities and their world in a way that’s both broad and focused. Plenty of room for interpretation and exploration as we see different aspects of their lives come into the light. The love of science and the desire to be a part of something bigger and greater than they ever dared imagine is alluring and the consequences of that well all actions have reactions now don’t they?

   Black Mask continues to put out some of the more edgy and interesting stories out there right now and they don’t hold back. This is unapologetically what it is and it’s freaking awesome!

Star Trek Boldly Go #5

2/21/2017

Star Trek Boldly Go #5
IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Mike Johnson
Illustrated by Tony Shasteen
Coloured by J.D. Mettler
Lettered by AndWorld Design

   This issue comes right out of the last movie as it spotlights Jaylah without whom the crew of the Enterprise would’ve had a much harder time surviving that encounter. For those who have seen and loved the movie it’s a great compliment to it. This is her story and the way it’s told is wonderfully done as Mike really gives a look at her experiences, life and everything that makes her so unique and special. For those who haven’t don’t worry it’s an opportunity to get to know this character in her entirety.

   Tony continues to really impress me with what he can do with his work. I mean the amount of time that’s spent with just him and his visuals doing the storytelling proves to be amazingly well done. The attention to detail, the pain and emotion she’s feeling it’s all laid out for us through the work. J.D. does some really nice colouring here too and together we really are brought into this in ways that engulf you. The use of page layouts through the angles, perspective and use of backgrounds here are magnificent.

   I have to say while Mike’s been the guiding force for the Star Trek Universe for some time now he never ceases to amaze me. The way this story is structured is something i’ve never seen done before as start with Jaylah on her own and we keep going backward to her birth as her life story unfolds for us. Usually there’s a bunch of then and now happening but the look back that Mike takes us on is done in such a strong and interesting way.

   I enjoy that we get to see those moments that shaped her life and made her the young woman with passion and drive that the crew met on that planet. When she learns to fight and that she’s tinkerer, a savant style too unless I miss my guess. It’s all laid out for us along with the way she ended up on that planet and how she ended up alone. I also liked her birth when her mother noticed her markings and said what they meant it’s a nice touch. Getting to see that part of her species and know that the markings are unique to each individual.

   Here’s hoping that his look at her isn’t the last one we’ll get. She’s a great character and would be a splendid addition to the Enterprise once it’s rebuilt and the crew is back together. Not to mention that after she graduates from Starfleet Academy.

   This was a great one of and it’s nice that centers on a potential key character in the years to come.