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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

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G.I. Joe vs. The Six Million Dollar Man #01

2/28/2018

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G..I. Joe vs. The Six Million Dollar Man #01
IDW Publishing/Dynamite Entertainment 2018
Written by Ryan Ferrier
Pencilled by SL Gallant
Inked by Brian Shearer
Coloured by James Brown
Lettered by Robbie Robbins


     Cobra’s terror across the globe reigns. A new world peace accord, to be signed by several world leaders will soon take place on the neutral Frisian Islands. Hawk and his finest G.I. Joe operatives prepare themselves for what could be a monumental shift in the fight against Cobra Commander’s venom. Meanwhile, America’s most advanced secret agent, Steve Austin, continues OSI’s silent war against evil. Now armed with revolutionary bio-mechanical upgrades, the “Six Million Dollar Man” descends into the darkest corner of Siberia.

     Okay this one took me by surprise, even though I’d seen something about ages ago. I love when that happens because that excitement is genuine and can’t be faked so it’s like the first night of Channukah! Also they couldn’t have assembled a better team to work on this series either. That fact is utterly amazing too and it’s so nice to see Gallant’s work on the Joe’s! The story Ryan brings us here is so deliciously exactly what it needs to be and it’s extremely well told. The way this book is structured and the whole ebb & flow of how it’s presented made it seem like this is how this world has always been and that alone is worth the price of admission.

     So not only does Steve’s presence and his encounter with Cobra on a mission in Siberia play out the way we saw it coming it’s a great opening! It catches your attention and says hey this is why your going to read this and then of course fully enjoy every well crafted moment of it. The introduction of the Joe’s who are travelling with a few World Leader’s and a quick who’s who of those travelling on this mission almost has all the usual characters only missing Shipwreck (he and Lady Jaye are my favourite Joe’s). Then mix in what Cobra is doing and viola you’ve got the whole trinity covered nicely.

     Cobra’s plot to take over the world is timed with near perfection and the speed in which they operate in this issue shows why they truly are a force to be reckoned with. I love seeing them portrayed as a real threat and not a joke so what Ryan does here not only with the story but the characterisation of those involved is utterly marvellous. This is the kind of story where things start off bad and go directly to worse and that’s the situations you want to see your heroes encounter. This is what makes them them and why they are considered heroes, it’s not about what the situation is it’s how you handle it that sets you apart and Ryan handles that as well as anyone in the business.

     Gallant’s interior pencils lay down some fine work. I love the way the art team works together to bring us these fantastic pages and panels. The attention to detail here is great to see and the use of page layouts with how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a strong, seasoned eye for storytelling. The instant recognition of the characters is great, the use and weight of the linework here is wonderful to see. There is some good utilisation of backgrounds happening in these pages that show this world and expand what we need to know nicely.

     So from the first page to the last we get a fantastic first issue that doesn’t waste any time getting right into it. There is no need for background information and instead Ryan just goes with the whole idea that this inter-company crossover is just a normal every day occurrence. That kind of confidence in his writing makes this as spectacular as it is.
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     Strong, bold and perfectly done this is the kind of story we all want to see!

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Cult Classic: Return to Whisper #1

2/28/2018

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Cult Classic: Return to Whisper #1
Vault Comics 2018
Created & Written by Eliot Rahal
Illustrated by Felipe Cunha
Coloured by Dee Cunniffe
Lettered by Taylor Esposito


     In 1997, a group of teenagers discover a treasure of immeasurable wealth. Fearing that their newfound fortune will be stolen from them, they make a pact: One day they’ll all come back as adults, divide their riches, and live happily ever after. Now...fifteen years later, they have returned. Not to uncover a fortune, but to bury a friend. 

     I feel like this is something I should be familiar with ya know but I’m not so what does that say about the whole premise that Eliot has come up with? I mean I like it don’t get me wrong and that it feels familiar but isn’t adds this air of not really mystery but something akin to that. I love the way that Eliot is telling this with the opening and the way it weaves in the past and present so that we know what’s going on but not the details behind them which we’ll learn as we go.

     I don’t know about you but if I had access to a clubhouse that was kind of in the cemetery was equipped with electricity and a television that picked up actual stations I’m not sure how often I would’ve been at home. I mean this is one hell of a sweet set up and Troll Dolls, Action Figures and other miscellaneous whatnots that we see make this THE place to hang out. When your this age anyway and you’ve got a group of nine that are friends and you make this pact that you always will be, well kind of, then this takes on a new meaning.

     The way this book is structured is fantastic and the way that we see the characters come to life before our eyes, with a few seemingly the same whether child or adult, is a great study in characterisation. Also to go along with that calling each other names because you know it gets underneath someone’s skin is part of being a kid right? I mean at least what we see here is based more on someone’s love of perhaps using a towel or sock to clean up afterwards. It is cute banter than apparently lasts a lot longer than perhaps it should but I also shows the familiarity they have with one another and it makes the writing/story that much stronger.

     The interiors here a nice a little more all-ages than I was expecting but then again we also get some nice attention to detail in the backgrounds. As long as Felipe stays away from generic or blank faces what we see works beautifully. The use of page layouts so that we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a solid eye for storytelling. While it feels like this is Felipe’s first attempt at sequential storytelling it’s a good solid start I mean I wish the characters got the same kind of attention as moments such the pouring the scotch, because that glass, ice cube and the swirling of the amber liquid was better than some of the bodies and faces we see. God knows the potential is here and I can’t to see it all come together and bloom!

     So the kids after discovering through their favourite programme from the father of one their own there is a Goonie’s style adventure to be had. But what happens in the weeks leading up to the time they were supposed to meet up, divvy up the treasure they found changes all that. Is this a series of unfortunate events or is there something larger at play here?
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     I think this has some very wide range appeal and I am looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. Fun, interesting and innovative with great dialogue and premise this is another strong addition to the Vault’s growing line of books.

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The Further Adventures of Nick Wilson #02

2/26/2018

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Further Adventures of Nick Wilson #02
Image Comics 2018
Written by Eddie Gorodetsky & Marc Andreyko
Illustrated by Stephen Sadowski
Coloured by Hi-Fi
Lettered & Designed by A Larger World Studios


     When the world’s only superhero Nick Wilson lost his superpowers, his arch nemesis Clive Morganfield had to settle for merely being a billionaire industrialist. It didn’t sit well with his ego, so when Nick reemerges on the scene, Clive approaches him with a bizarre business proposition that raises a number of questions: Can enemies be partners? Can you build a future on the ashes of the past? And what secrets of the universe are held inside the grooves of a jug-band record from the 1920s?

     This is one hell of an insanely good book! There is no getting around that what these guys have done is beyond amazing as they’ve created this ultimate lovable loser. Already two issues in and Nick is someone we want to like, we want to succeed even though everything about him screams loser, from getting stoned to a kids birthday party and his best friend/agent yeah it all screams this should be awful but it’s the exact opposite. There is a charm and charisma about what these guys have brought to this book that immediately the reader resonates with.

     I am pretty impressed with the way the book is structured and how the whole ebb & flow that is created here. From the past to the present with the promise of the future it’s all here along with one (?) chance encounter that will forever change how Nick sees things. Though I have to admit dude has more opportunities to sleep with women and doesn’t take them so I hope he’s gay at this point because that would totally rock! Still the way that the story flows through these pages is magnificent and all it does is make you yell at the characters, help them decide what to do and never want this to end.

     The introduction of new, to us, characters that expand Nick’s world and open up new avenues of storytelling is great to see. While his best mate is a total douchebag he’s still in his life hoping to keep living off Nick working at his former alter ego. Now we get to see his former arch-nemesis who wants to go into business with him. I like the exchange they have it’s an intelligent conversation and even full of Nick’s incredulous sarcasm Clive makes perfect sense. I love seeing in writing the fact that a hero needs his villain to be any kind of successful.

     Stephen’s work on the interiors here is pretty spectacular as well. Whether it’s a kind of flashback moment in full old school four colour splash page to a current more modern style to represent the here and now it’s got that quality to it that makes it stand out. The linework here is amazing and the way that bird is shown it gave me the shivers but that’s precisely what it was intended to do. The use of page layouts so that we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a strong seasoned eye for storytelling. The judicious utilisation of backgrounds is great to see as everything looks to be done for a specific reason and it works beautifully.

     Once his best mate leaves and supposedly ends their friendship/partnership that’s when we meet Coco. Love the dialogue and conversation the two have and the way that they seem to connect with one another. Also touching her hand makes him suddenly nervous that was interesting to see. Still I am not sure meeting her is happenstance but for whatever the reason it’s exactly what he needs at that moment.
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     Wildly fun, completely original and with some of the best storytelling around right now this is one you need in your life.   

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BSG VS. BSG #02

2/26/2018

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BSG VS. BSG #02
Dynamite Entertainment 2018
Written by Peter David
Illustrated by Johnny Desjardins
Coloured by Mohan
Lettered by Taylor Esposito


     While responding to a distress beacon, Commander Cain of the Pegasus encounters Kali, a member of an alien race who claim to be the creators of humanity’s robotic foe. Meanwhile, the crew of the Galactica escapes, only to find themselves pulled into a wormhole that’s led them to the unknown.

     This is the issue we’ve been waiting for since it was discovered that this was happening. I mean Starbuck and Starbuck together in one place that’s the most thrilling, dangerous and sexually charged encounter that we are dying to see. However before that happens we have other things to discuss and the crew to go through. Like emerging through the wormhole to find themselves on a collision course with the other Galactica.

     I have to say that Peter does this all beautifully and that he knows and understands the differences in both series is highlighted here. Yes the style of dress is different but then again it’s supposed to be and more importantly the key players here are not the same on each ship. While Apollo and Starbuck are trusted confidants of Commander Adama whom he takes to meet their counterparts and Admiral Adama has the President, Lee and Saul so it’s a very different look at who was featured and when. It is here that I started noticing which series I preferred to be honest and I was and wasn’t shocked by whom I chose.

     The dialogue between them was pretty spectacular. Call sign and real names, the origins of the Cylon’s all of it being discussed here in a brilliant “sit-down” between them all and though Commander Adama decided to travel to the Admiral’s ship might have been in good faith nothing about this was to be nice. I have to say the tone of both series shines in what happens during this meeting and it’s actually rather expected and I am not sure that’s a good thing.

     Ah Johnny is such an amazing artist and illustrator! I love his use of linework and their different weights, his attention to detail is phenomenal and that we see so much of what the look of the characters while not being dead on is superbly done. I love that we recognise who’s who by appearance but there’s still room for that artistic license to make it his own. The way that page layouts are used and how the angles and perspective are seen in each panel shows off his eye for storytelling and it is so strong. The use of backgrounds are judiciously utilised here and done so well that we get where they are at every moment.

     I am not sure that Peter started out to showcase the differences in the then and now of how we see both series but it’s inevitable really. Yes we get a bit of the Starbuck’s encounter here and the promise of more makes me anxious to see it so the anticipation of next issue already hits when this one finishes. The way the book and this part of the story is structured is incredible, Peter really understands how to create that ebb & flow like few others ever could. Plus the fact that his characterisation of these established characters feels so darn true to the original source material makes me a happy fanboy!
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     While they never seem to work as an ongoing monthly I like that the Battlestar Galactica franchise is alive and well at Dynamite. Sure story arc’s work out well and that there is no real ending to their journey well that’s something we both never want to see and would love to know. There is no beating this creative team and the work they do here is beyond reproach.  

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Ice Cream Man #2

2/26/2018

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Ice Cream Man #2
Image Comics 2018
Written by W. Maxwell Prince
Illustrated by Martin Morazzo
Coloured by Chris O’Halloran
Lettered by Good Old Neon


     One singular sensation every move that he makes…. Yeah pretty how I feel when I am reading this book. It’s such a freaking delightful series so far and that the Ice Cream Man is this supernatural figure whom we know pretty much nothing about is the perfect host of the book. I don’t want to know about him either I think a big part of his charm and appeal is that he is an “unknown” quantity and to be honest it should be that way. So what Maxwell is doing here is in my humble opinion a modern day Twilight Zone which is extremely well done.

     The house we see when we open the book seems like any other in middle America, a small one family dwelling it doesn’t look unkempt or anything to give us a clue as to what lies inside. I like it that the couple inside seem to be suffering from an infliction of their own making, though that’s hardly fair to really say. Addiction cannot be helped unless the person is willing to be helped and having someone to enable you along for the ride well yeah then this is where we find ourselves. The real question here is how long did it take for the downward spiral to occur?

     After the first quarter of the book is spent on our lovebirds we encounter a much different kind of lovebirds. This couple is elderly so what do they have in common with the previous couple well that’s something you need to piece together. However suffice it to say that they are very familiar at least to me and it could be my father or me at this point but it’s very easy to see and understand them. Once you make the connection it’s strange that we say one thing about A and something different about B. I think suddenly the idea surrounding this goes incredibly highbrow and it’s something we all need to take a closer look at how we think.

     Martin and Chris do some amazing work on the interiors here. I am a huge fan of the way we see the linework here and the different weights used for the subtle to bold lines that are needed. The attention to detail is spectacular to see and I love how it all works together to create such vivid imagery that lets you see and identify things quickly and clearly. Also the amount of backgrounds in use here is very nice to see as it does expand the scenes and the world the characters live in. The way page layouts are used so we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a marvellous eye for storytelling.

     The way the two segments are woven into one is bloody well brilliant to see. I wouldn’t have expected it to go down like this but it did and I love that about Maxwell and his ability to write a story. This from the beginning has that “it” factor that grabs our attention and doesn’t let go. When you throw the Ice Cream Man into the mix things go that extra mile. I mean you never know when he’s going to show up and what he intends to do and I think that kind of anticipation isn’t even felt until you see him.
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     The structure of the book, how we see the ebb & flow of what’s occurring and then the stellar characterisation really completes how well this book is written. Then add into that the interior artwork and well there’s no denying why this keeps going back to print again.

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Ninjak vs. the Valiant Universe

2/26/2018

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Ninjak vs. the Valiant Universe #2
Valiant Entertainment 2018
Written by Eliot Rahal
Pencilled by Joe Bennett
Inked by Belardino Brabo
Coloured by Ulises Arreola
Lettered by Dave Sharpe


     Ninjak has been blackmailed! His arch-nemesis, Roku, has taken his best friend Neville Alcott’s family captive and threatens to execute them unless Ninjak breaks into MI6 and steals Asset 147! With no choice but to steal the mysterious weapon, Ninjak succeeds...but at a great cost. He’s forced to turn on his friends and colleagues to retrieve the item, and now the superteam Unity is called in to take him out...! Set in a world of its own and based on the upcoming Ninjak Vs. The Valiant Universe webseries, the bone-breaking action continues...now!

     So what is something that could get Colin to do something that is the seeming betrayal of all that his friends hold dear? Well it certainly helps with what we see for us to know what’s going on and what his motivation is and well it’s also very much something that endears him to us the fans even more. It doesn’t hurt seeing Neville telling Colin his wife’s pregnant and he wants him to be the godfather. I mean this goes so far above and beyond asset handling if you ask me. Still I do like that they are further establishing the relationship the two men have.

     Well since Colin was more than able to get the Book of the Geomancer and Roku sees it she’s less inclined to kill Jillian and her daughter. That is all fine and dandy for now because we see when Gilad is approached by Livewire about going after Colin. Again another friendship where one is mystified over the actions taken and yet is there not as someone to harm but to help if he can at least that’s the reader take on it. Oh yeah and Bloodshot’s already mentioned as being on his trail and we all know what kind of man he is, shoot first ask questions never.

     There is something about the way that Eliot has structured this so the flow of the whole thing is pretty damn spectacular. Also that Ninjak who has no inherent powers only his mind, his skill set and a whole lot of gadgets is able to take on these super-powered beings and well win is some excellent writing. Yeah we all know Batman has the same thing going on but over the years he’s become expected to play that role while Ninjak gets it because he’s not powered up and there’s a difference in how the two are perceived which makes all the difference in the world.

     I love the interior artwork here. Not only does it feel like a classic comic book story, if you really do not know what I mean that’s 70’s/80’s before all the pockets and dark angst. The use of page layouts so we see these angles and perspective in the panels like we do shows off a strong eye for storytelling. Also I really like how we see so much in the panels while not all of them are utilised it’s okay for those that are it works wonders in enhancing and expanding the story.

     Not only is the story, premise and all that jazz reasonable and justifiable for the actions he is taking but the pacing of the story and seeing how he handles his teammates is just over the top action/thriller fun! Also the opening here has the full cast of who’s who for the webseries that will be the same story as the one we’re reading. Alright I don’t know if it will be the exact same story or if the two share certain plot points but you still get the idea.
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     Valiant continues to respect their creators and their characters so that they are some of the best books we’ve seen. 

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Belle Beast Hunter #2

2/25/2018

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Belle Beast Hunter #2
Zenescope Entertainment 2018
Written by Dave Franchini
Illustrated by Bong Dazo
Coloured by Juan Manuel Rodriguez
Lettered by Kurt Hathaway


     The Grimm Universe is filled with heroes far and wide dealing with all kinds of threats, from vampires and werewolves to corrupt government organizations and ancient orders battling for control of the realms of power. But what lies in the deepest corners of our world could give the evilest creature nightmares. A threat since the beginning of time is rising, and only one person will be there to stop it from destroying everything. Introducing the newest ally in the war of monsters: Belle the Beast Hunter!

     The whole concept of this book is great and I am kind of surprised that it took so long for this to come about. Dave is a great choice for this series too he’s got a good strong sense when it comes to storytelling and how to weave in not just personality growth and characterisation through dialogue and action but he’s also got a huge inventory of stories with Zenescope and he’s found how to really get in touch with the darker recesses of his mind and imagination.

     So we pick up where the last issue left as as Belle came home to discover that it had been attacked and the attacker was still there. As she crashed into the sea below is where pick up this issue. Personally I am always happy to see that instead of jumping ahead with a flashback that always seemed like the writer didn’t know how to get out of the situation and backtracked once they had. Actually this gives Dave a great opportunity to show off Belle, her intelligence, personality and survival skills so that we can get a much better look at what she’s like and capable of. I like it I think it’s incredibly well done and gives us a lot in the amount of time.

     There’s another aspect of this that I really liked as well. In what at first appeared to be a flashback we learn what Belle does for a living outside of fighting monsters oh and her best friend to boot. It is always a nice thing to get to know a character outside the outfit even if that turns out to be not what we think it is. Yes we are getting to know her and her life and yes it isn’t what it appears to be but the memory or experiences she’s having at this moment are genuine reflections of her life. I like how it is presented and the effect it has upon the reader it’s extremely well done by Dave.

     The interiors here are fantastic. The attention to detail here very nice to see as well at the imagination and creativity on display. Getting to see the sea creature, it’s spit ups and then the woman in her dream/memory yeah it is some killer stuff. The whole thing makes me thing superhero genre and for what this that is excellent. The use of page layouts so that we see the perspective and angles in the panels shows a strong eye for storytelling. Ideally I would like to see more backgrounds but they seem to be dying out so I’m not holding my breath but they do expand the story beautifully.
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     So the last page is either Candlestick or her mother or both or neither. Personally I thought Candlestick was a man, don’t know why just did however it wouldn’t surprise me if it were her mother, grandmother or some such relative. So the mystery of who this is should be revealed next issue. In the meantime I really do like this book and it’s place in the Zenescope Universe where it fits the next wave of intelligent superhero-esque comics.

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The XII #1

2/24/2018

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The XII #1
Alterna Comics 2018
Created & Written by Patrick Trahey
Illustrated by Luis Suarez
Lettered by Magnus


     After bandits raid their farm, Caleb and his family reluctantly decide to travel the "Dead Roads" that lead to the ruins of Chicago (now known as the Sacred City) in an attempt to survive the impending winter. But as they traverse the barren wasteland, they quickly realize that their safety will come at a price -- perhaps the ultimate one.

     I am a sucker for a post apocalyptic adventure and it really doesn’t matter that we don’t know what caused it, it’s just enough that it is. Through the story we can see the ramifications this family is facing and what Patrick does with it is nicely done. The opening is more than a little ominous for the outcome of at least one person but we can let that go for now because it’s never the destination that’s interesting of fun it’s always the journey getting there that is.

     I do like the way that this book is structured and how the flow it goes through the pages. The introduction of the characters here is nicely handled and while it may seem like this family comes from the old west we know they don’t though they’ve had their lives irrevocably changed. there’s concern and fear in their action and apparently it’s been like 15 years since whatever went down and they’ve been living off the land and like a giant family, considering the parents have been like bunnies it isn’t far off, they’ve managed to survive this far.

     Now I don’t know much about the whole “Dead Roads” but when Caleb brings them up his wife is vehemently against the idea. So I have no real clue as what it all means but we can safely assume that when it all went down cities were toxic. Though if you think about it after a month cities would be safe again as everyone tried to get the hell out leaving it empty and if there are for whatever reason zombies and the like well they’ll move outward where there’s more food. So now I am intrigued to see just who is out there scavenging after this amount of time.

     There is a kind of all-ages quality to the interiors here. I say kind of because it also has this old school western tone to it and that all this which is where I would like to think the attention to detail comes in. the use of page layouts so that we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a nice eye for storytelling. I always want to see more backgrounds there’s way too much white space behind people or things in this issue. This is a small world so you need to expand the scope of it so we feel how small it is for them.

     The characterisation here brings me back to a time when the old west was a time when kids grew up slower than they do today. Mum wants to keep the oldest boy, who’s 15, sheltered still and it’s time in this world to grow up and be a man. Though would it kill any of them to use names for crying out lout! I mean the boy, my boy, my son, it’s all the same person and ya know what I know he’s got a name but I think I only saw it once so now that I'm looking for it I can’t find it. I do like the characterisation it’s somewhere between old and new school or even what we consider current. it’s a nice introduction and leaves room for growth and change.
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     Alright one I issue in and I invested, I want to see what this family goes through and I am going to cheer for them. So bring it, show me what ya got.

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The Brave and The Bold #1

2/24/2018

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The Brave and the Bold #1
DC Comics 2018
Written & Illustrated by Liam Sharp
Coloured by Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Lettered by ALW’s Troy Peteri


     When a Celtic god’s murder leads to a war between the fairy folk and a possible breach between worlds, Wonder Woman must find the murderer and keep the peace while Batman investigates strange occurrences in Gotham City. As Diana must turn to the World’s Greatest Detective for help, the two heroes quickly learn their cases may be connected.

     Honestly I was ready to pass on this one. If we are going to have a Brave and The Bold series I would hope it was along the lines of the original or the last run which was kind of awesome. As far as I can tell this whole six issue limited series is Batman and Wonder Woman so it could’ve been something totally different but that’s neither here nor there because the story here is amazing. I have a weak spot for the Celtic Gods and Tir Na Nog’s fairy folk so that this isn’t about the Greek Pantheon well that suits me just fine.

     Liam impresses me in ways I hadn’t thought he could. We have always known his interior artwork is incredible to see but this, when we see the fantasy aspect it’s all about the holy crap moments. They are soft, strong, bold and gorgeous with the kind of detail reserved for solitary paintings. Then by contrast the standard superhero fare while just as strong and good seems a little too standard if you know what I mean. Still combine this with his writing and seriously dude is a freakin beast.

     There are so many different heroes from different countries out there nowadays so that this God chose her speaks volumes to her universal appeal. Also how he “meets” her yeah that’s something that I wasn’t expecting but am totally down with seeing actually happen some time. Heh I mean Steve isn’t so keep on it but how often can you say you had a threesome with a God? Oh and Lyta would finally be borne! So yeah let’s see this happen sometime okay great.

     Bruce Wayne’s involvement here comes in a much different route. I like that Liam has decided that he wanted to show that he’s bored when he doesn’t have to put on the suit which grants him purpose. So presented with something that he cannot explain or understand he’s got to immediately investigate only this is something he cannot comprehend here as the Irish Quarter of Gotham City has inexplicably halted to an almost standstill.

     God I really cannot get over the interiors here. Liam’s rendition of the Celtic gods and the denizens of Tir Na Nog is simply divine. Every gosh darn we see in, and, of, not to mention about them is mesmerising at every turn. The use of page layouts here and how we see the angles and perspectives show off such a spectacular eye for storytelling. The way we see the linework and it’s weights that we see them in are stunningly well utilised. The fact that this is what it is and how it looks cannot be overlooked and I would totally have bought this as an art book without words its that good.

     So the way the story plays out here it’s easy to see how the two of the arcs are going to merge into one. That’s not to say that it’s obviously done in a way that’s not intelligent it’s just that it needs to be done and how we see it is well done. That Diana finds herself amidst a murder mystery involving gods of a pantheon not her own she really is going to the world’s greatest detective to solve it. My only regret is that Steve didn’t go with her on this journey.
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     Entertaining, intelligently written with absolutely gorgeous interior artwork this one is a must have.

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Deathbed #01

2/24/2018

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Deathbed #01
Vertigo Comics 2018
Written by Joshua Williamson
Illustrated by Riley Rossmo
Coloured by Ivan Plascencia
Lettered by Deron Bennett


     Myth, hack, sex symbol, stark raving lunatic—all of these words have been used to describe Antonio Luna, the world’s greatest living adventurer. Or at least he was until 20 years ago, when he mysteriously vanished from the public eye. Now the ninety-year-old has returned and claims to be on his deathbed. Which is where Valentine Richards, a failed novelist turned reporter, comes in. Val is hired to travel to Luna’s remote castle home and uncover where the old star has been all these years, and just how much of what he says is actually true. But once Val starts to hear Luna’s tale, she finds herself entering into an insane world of psychedelic violence and explosive supernatural adventure.

     Dammit all to hell, I knew this collaboration was going to be brilliant and I was right! Oh my god seriously I couldn’t see or imagine a better first issue than this one. Crass and full of surprises the writing Joshua brings us is some of his best work that I’ve ever seen and the work Riley does is not only inspired but you can tell that he was having fun. Hell they both had doing this and it bleeds right onto the page and into the reader that feeling that this was something special. Jealous that I don’t have this level or kind of talent yeah of course but by that same token I’m thrilled to just be a reader here.

     I love the way this book is structured and the flow through the pages. For some odd reason I really did not expect this to play out like it did. So kudos for shocking the heck out of me and I have no idea why that reasoning works more time than not but the way the premise sounded to me was quite natural. Did we have any real reason to believe we weren’t going to get what was presented? I do want to hear his life story between running around chasing the past, present and future of his existence. Val as a character in her own right is the perfect companion for him based on what we have seen of them both.

     Oh Mister Rossmo don’t think for a moment that the work here is anything other than extraordinary! Shall we say that Luna’s reveal is something I want a version of just for me with that belt included because honestly I almost fell off the couch. Meanwhile the use of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective show off an amazing eye for storytelling. The house Val drives up to yeah total wow factor. The utilisation of backgrounds here is superb to see and it makes the moments that much more impressive. I love how it all is meant to add character and infuse some characterisation into what we see.

     I’ve been a fan of Joshua’s for a long time, I still want to see a re-launch of Necessary Evil, now and he just keeps getting better and better all the time. I don’t know what level is the pique but for him I’m not sure there really is one at this point. The characterisation here that is used in their dialogue, narration and visual aides, I mean Val on the toilet, is something that connects us to these characters in ways you don’t expect.
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     Just when you thought you couldn’t enjoy a pair of creators any more than you already do something like this comes along and says “hold my beer!” This is beyond all expectations and holds a certain kind of promise within it’s pages to be everything you need in your life without realising it until you’ve read it.

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