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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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The Musketeers #1

2/21/2018

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The Musketeers #1
Zenescope Entertainment 2018
Written by Terry Kavanagh
Illustrated by Daniel Maine
Coloured by Bryan Valenza
Lettered by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios


     A group of super-powered beings calling themselves the Musketeers has emerged in Philadelphia. While their hearts may be in the right place, their methods are questionable—blurring the line between hero and villain—especially in the eyes of the police force, who would rather see them locked away for good!

     Well this is how you start of a new book. That the Musketeers are from the Book of Fables or at least have their powers activated thanks to it and have been training at Castle D’Uther where Camelot is an other-dimensional kingdom well it all starts to make a weird kind of sense. I mean with Merlin and his young charge Morgan alongside them it would seem that things are coming along nicely. Though one must question Morgan’s loyalties already since we as readers know how she ultimately betrays Merlin so right off the bat there’s that intrigue factor about how long it’ll take before that happens.

     As introductions go this one was handled extremely well, with a training session that allows us to get to know the characters peripherally. This allows us to see them in action, get a sense of who they are and yet leave more than enough room for character development to occur over the remaining issues. I also like the way this transitions to Arcane Acre and the mystery as to why Skye doesn’t have the book herself and how they know to look for the Musketeers in the first place. What that does too is leave a lot more questions than answers at this point in time.

     Terry is able to structure this story extremely well and the way it flows throughout the book is nice to see. I am impressed with how everything is being set up and how we see the manipulation of characters which ties directly into the story arc itself and still leaves so much open is exciting. We will see why these three were chosen aside from what we are privy to here which is something else entirely. So far the characterisation is interesting and allows to see just enough to want to know more and how all this “newness” is affecting them.

     I really like the interior artwork here as well. There is some some really nice linework going on and the line weights vary enough to make things distinguishable. The use of page layouts so that we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a good solid eye for storytelling. The attention to detail is really nice to see here as well as the costumes the Musketeer’s are wearing, note the costume designs are more “mature” and show off that new direction of storytelling that I like to see. Backgrounds in use are nice to see and that they expand the scene or moment shows a lot or promise though I would like to see more of them and not those coloured backgrounds but those at least add more interest than the blank ones.

     Good guys, bad guys and those all over the map are introduced in a bold way here. I haven’t seen this much revelation In a while and the fact that we see it so prominently and boldly well it all acts as this huge misdirect so you don’t know immediately who’s playing who. This really is an impressive debut from Zenescope and that it’s a new part of their franchise and expanding the crazy cast of characters with smart and interesting storytelling is fantastic.
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     Bold, daring and full of action and intrigue this is a book I can fully behind. I’m looking forward to seeing how this all plays out as we welcome the trio to the Zenescope Universe.

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Animosity Evolution #4

2/20/2018

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Animosity Evolution #4
Aftershock Comics 2017
Written by Marguerite Bennett
Illustrated by Eric Gapstur
Coloured by Rob Schwager
Lettered by Marshall Dillon


     I am constantly in awe at the level of the work in this series. I mean this book focuses on Wintermute and the city she took, by force mind you, and has made herself the ruling Monarch. Make no mistake this is as far from a Democracy as one can get it’s like a Dictatorship however Monarchy makes it sound more palatable. Still this opens up a slew of avenues that Marguerite gets to explore, and us alongside her. So much more thrilling than I could have imagined and I have to admit it surpasses the original for me.

     The way this book is structured is amazing to see it has this straightforward aspect going on with all the behind the scenes things that make it something else entirely. Think “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” and you’ll understand it’s all smoke and mirrors. Do what is necessary to make this city a viable place to live and don’t let people know just how dirty your hands are getting in the process. No one said building a civilisation was going to be easy and with limited resources at their disposal well one things for certain no one really knows just how hard it is to do Wintermute’s “job.”

     The opening here is a great example of what I’m saying as Gwendolyn Yi, an impressive woman in her physicality, and her “team” have come to a gated community, golf course and country club where they’ve give the occupants time to accept a deal. Now instead they are being evicted from the land so the animals may farm it and grow food. They need to turn this grassland into farmland if they are going to have food so any means necessary right if talks fail use force. It seems to be a habit we’re seeing in this series so far, and I for one am certainly not complaining.

     Meanwhile Penny and Octavia have to deal with the mess they’ve gotten themselves into. How Mr. Kazi and his minions at the restaurant and his enhancements, that so far we’ve seen only on Wintermute and her special squad, is coming to light. Not in the way I would have expected and this is why Marguerite writes such thrilling tales, she doesn’t do expected and instead keeps the reader on their toes. Not only that but her ability to structure a story like she does is so well done that the flow of how one section leads into another is brilliantly handled.

     The interiors here are spectacular as Eric and Rob bring these characters to life. It isn’t easy making these animals suddenly act like humans with the appendages they posses and yet they make look easy. The way page layouts are utilised so that we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a strong well seasoned eye for storytelling. Adding in the cybernetic parts and the creativity and imagination are incredible! I love Mr. Kazi and how he looks and the attention to detail in him and everything else we see is a real treat for the eyes.
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     This is an amazing series that depicts the struggle of rebuilding a society from the ground up with only dwellings available. The parallels to human efforts with the same problems shouldn’t go unnoticed as just because animals now have the ability to speak and have risen up in revolt doesn’t mean they are any more well prepared for this. Needs far outweigh reason at times and the behind the scenes actions are something that make this as exciting as it is.

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Actionverse #5 Featuring Stray

2/20/2018

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Actionverse #5 Featuring Stray
Action Lab Entertainment 2017
Written by Vito Delsante
Layouts by Steve Walker
Finishes by Ares Taveras
Coloured by Wilson Ramos Jr.
Lettered by Full Court Press


     New York City is in the throes of a huge riot. On one side, the citizens, angry at police for killing an innocent boy. On the other side, the NYPD, angry at the citizens for killing the cop responsible for the boy’s death. In the middle of it all, a group of non-Pax Mundi sponsored heroes and member of the Teenaegis, trying to keep the city together. Meanhile, Stray, Orion (the former Quarrel) and Midnight Tiger race to the scene of the strife hoping to stop Ingenue and the aliens known as the Mujonah, or The Intolerance, before another Titanodei is killed.

     Vito has introduced us to a wide variety of new characters by different creators, all used with permission of course and to see who all are it’s at the back end of the story, and it’s perfectly wonderful to see. I like the inclusion into this universe these new characters to introduce readers to even more indie creators. Also I like that they are a kind of diversionary tactic that Stray is taking full advantage of while he, Orion and Midnight Tiger are going elsewhere.

     There are a number of things happening here and among them are the bonds of friendship, Stray’s personality including anger and quality detective work and the beginning of a harder look into Pax Mundi. All of these weave throughout the story and showcase some stellar characterisation and in raising questions about actions and reasons which of course drive the story forward. Vito’s writing here just keeps getting stronger and stronger and it’s so nice to see him write this in a way that feels familiar, right and intriguing.

     So when the boys do enter the fray things get even more complicated than anyone was imagining it could be. The Mujonah are there using either this distorter technology or shape-shifting ability to blend in and further engage and keep both sides angry. It is a smart ploy if you think about it and while they are keeping the crowd focused on one another then our villainess is getting away with her strike scott free. Diversions, manipulation and divide and conquer I love seeing this kind of plan in action while the heroes are busy playing catch-up unable to see the bigger picture.

     Love the quality of the interior artwork here. The sharp solid linework is fantastically done and then to finish it with shading of colours so that the lighting is constant and noticeable from the same source. The way page layouts are done and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off Steve’s eye for storytelling. Also the utilisation of backgrounds here makes this fanboy happy as can be. Visually this is exactly what it needs to be and ranks up there with the best superhero books out there.
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     Speaking of it being a superhero book the fact that this is a protege’s all grown up it has all the right notes and feels for what fans crave. I mean it’s about time we get to see a series or at least an arc that represents the most beloved style of superhero books. I also like that Vito throws not only some shade into the story, Pax-Mundi, but also opens up a new possible avenue of aid and friendship if he can get past his idea of betrayal at every turn. While Marvel and DC constantly revamp what they have Vito and company have very quietly built one in the middle expanding the past, present and future in ways that show not only promise but with a much better focus.

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Solar Flare Season 2 #4

2/20/2018

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Solar Flare Season 2 #4
Scout Comics 2017
Created & Written by James Haick III
Illustrated by Branko Jovanovic
Coloured by J.M. Ringuet
Lettered & Designed by Andworld Design’s DC Hopkins


     Things are starting to look up for Jake and his friends, after finding some supplies and transportation. With the New Americans hot on their trail, they'll have to come up with an escape plan quickly. Will they be able to make it out of Port Charlotte without being caught? Only time will tell.

     I like that season two seems to be focusing on the group getting where they need to go and the challenges that they face. Sure things are going to be more difficult and this isn’t a zombie apocalypse so the roving bands of these New Americans, who seem like Trump Supporters to me, are intelligent, and I use that term loosely, and organised so getting by them isn’t going to be a piece of cake. The fact that they’ve afoul of this group and are actively being hunted doesn’t help matters either.

     Sammy is a young woman who is more intelligent than we realise she’s also extremely resourceful. Though her parents past association with these New Americans will come in handy if worked properly. Also while Jake doesn’t want to bring her along he’s not really going to have any choice in the matter, her folks went to Africa and let’s face it with the world in its current state there is no way they are going to be coming home any time soon, if at all. Though as an offshoot story I wouldn't mind seeing their trials and tribulations as that would give the story another viewpoint and do wonders in expanding the scope of things.

     Meanwhile James ability to structure the book so that information is doled out and the pacing of interactions make reading this a breeze. It has a nice flow through the pages which helps because there really is a lot of story that needs to be told. Not everything is going to be action oriented so there are times that the story has to be told in a way that keeps the readers attention and the curiosity piqued and that’s something James does extremely well. That he can focus on the group who have this conversation that is but is not a democracy is well constructed and delightful to read.

     I have been a fan of Branko’s since day one and the linework he brings to this to detial faces and facial expressions is utterly fantastic for me. It’s so expressive and brings the characters to life in ways we enjoy seeing. His use of page layouts so we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off such a solid eye for storytelling. Yes I’d like to see more backgrounds in use here but I won’t quibble because it’s such good work that we get to see.

     I do like how things play out here as we see the New Americans trespassing on the land that Sammy’s family owns. Seeing that they possess the accoutrement of the New Americans things kind of go as planned in regards to getting rid of them peacefully. But the best laid plans of mice and men and all that jazz. Or Murphy’s Law take your pick because either way nothing is going to as smoothly as you’d like them to whether your flying by the seat of your pants or have long term plans in motion.
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     James takes something as innocuous as a Solar Flare and turns it into a worldwide tragedy where we’re left watching good people try to pick up the pieces while the unsavoury element tries to take violent advantage of it. Who will come out on top and can the way of life we’ve known be restored or will it finally be time for a survival of the fittest scenario? 

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Giants #3

2/19/2018

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Giants #3
Dark Horse Comics 2017
By Carlos & Miguel Valderrama


     After being saved by a group of surface-dwelling teens who call themselves the Forsaken, and uneasy Gogi is eager to return to his home in Under-Ground City—but before he does, a dangerous task lies before him. Meanwhile, Zedo, the brother-in-arms Gogi left for dead after an attack by a monster, is now close to fulfilling his goal as an essential part of the biggest gang of them all!

      There really is something special about this book as both boys think the other one is dead and are leading different and parallel lives. This issue we open with Zedo who last issue arrived back with the Ambernoir and this issue leads them to the cache that he left to return home. The hardship of gang life when you really have no other option living in the Under-Ground City is beautifully demonstrated with this segment. I feel for Zedo I do and the way we see him grow and evolve throughout this issue alone is stunning in its scope.

      Gogi who is awfully eager to go home after all that he’s been through with these new friends of his is a bit different. Feeling guilty about leaving Zedo he has this lost sense of loyalty and feels returning home will somehow be able to absolve his feelings. From everything we see it feels like almost like a betrayal of my own that I root for Gogi to succeed and be happy in his new life while feeling that Zedo is more trouble than he’s worth and in way over his head. That one instant that changed their lives forever set them on two extremely different paths and it’s so easy to see how it’s changing them.

     The writing, the structure of the book and it flows is spectacular to see. There is this kind of magic to what the brothers can do and how that translates to the page and the way we see it really does amaze me. From the loss of innocence of one and the ability to keep it for the other has this unexpected effect on my soul. There is this piercing of what we perceive in these events that makes us happy, sad and hopeless & hopeful all in the same breath. It is an occurrence that just doesn’t happen all that often and when it does you sit up and take notice.
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     The interiors here do a marvellous job in setting up and complimenting the way we feel about the characters. From the way they dress to their accoutrement it defines where they come from. The way page layouts are used so that we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a strong eye for storytelling. The backgrounds we see are extremely well utilised and I love how they expand the scope of their respective worlds. The imagination and creativity we see, particularly in the monsters and the bugs is spectacular.

     I like seeing how the bonds of friendship are formed by both boys. Their worlds so vastly different and how they go about facing their fears and demons and rising above them is portrayed so very well. While one rises to power through combat and death the other finds a way to earn trust and friendship through actions. What would their lives be like if they had traded places is anyone’s guess but things are playing out this way and there is something about this that feels right and true to each boy.

     There are some amazing stories in comics right now and they all seem to come out of the blue in the most unexpected of places. This for me is definitely one of them and continues to show why Dark Horse isn’t much of a Dark Horse anymore.

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Judas #3

2/19/2018

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Judas #3
Boom! Studios 2017
Written by Jeff Loveness
Illustrated by Jakub Rebelka
Lettered by Colin Bell


     After his betrayal of Jesus, Judas found himself in Hell with Satan himself. Whom he has learned was the voice guiding him all along. Now after learning his life was a lie and he was always meant to be right where he is Judas has the chance to learn what his friend knew. Jesus is in Hell but why and how?

     Every time I turn around, see read the next issue, Jeff pulls me back into this in a new way. This issue explores not only the relationship between Judas and Jesus but also why Satan is involved and how he ends up in Hell and not up there with dear old dad. I absolutely adore the fact that this isn’t a pro or con for the bible and what is in it or what it represents just a story where someone is filling in blanks in a way that seems natural to the events. Also as a nice Jewish boy who isn’t as familiar with all that I have to say that this is beyond what I could ever have hoped for!

      The way this book is structured is so well done that the flow of what we see here has that quality to it where you don’t even notice when the attention shifts away from the here and now and goes back to what was. The transitions are amazingly well portrayed and the fact that this has such an impact when it comes to it’s characterisation tied up into how the story unfolds and how we as the reader see it is superb. The sheer fact that what Jeff is giving us in this story is something that while never written down before could be that reasonable assumption of truth. The fact that someone can read this and while they may not find fault it would never be accepted as truth but the fact that I can see this for what it is and what it could be makes Jeff one of the writers to watch out for.

     Jakub is an artist with a style all his own and while I may not appreciate as much as some would like I will say this, this project wouldn’t be the same without him. Pages 9 and 10 were some of the most amazing things I have seen and the idea brought to life by him was breathtaking in its scope and depiction. While this is historical fiction it is based on a certain time in earth’s history and there are some things where creativity and imagination merge with that and Jakub is able to blend that with such skill. His use of page layouts with how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off his eye for storytelling.

     I love the way this whole story is being told and how it’s affect on the reader isn’t what you always think it will be. Seriously I cannot get over how the story shapes the minds of the characters as it moves forward so that we see recognition and discovery in them as they learn things. As they see what is happening around them that changes how they feel in that moment is something you don’t expect to see. Neither are the actions taken by those who appear here and while it’s mainly three men who do all the talking that doesn’t matter. Satan may be the god of lies but why does he need to lie when the truth is so much more damning.
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     Every month now it seems this passes all my hopes and expectations and that it does is something unique, special and rare. I hope people remember this when it’s time to vote on those stories, creators and company’s that left impressions like this one does.

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Goosebumps Monsters at Midnight #3

2/19/2018

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Goosebumps Monsters at Midnight #3
IDW Publishing 2017
Written by Jeremy Lambert
Illustrated by Chris Fenoglio
Coloured by Brittany Peer
Lettered by Christa Miesner


   After stepping through a shadowy doorway in a haunted bookstore, Mia and Ginny have found themselves trapped in Horrorland, the most nightmarish amusement park ever! Chased by Slappy and his gang of ghosts and ghouls, Mia and Ginny have teamed up with a small, fuzzy monster named Irk to try and find a way back home. But when they get trapped in a crypt filled with some barrels of mysterious green ooze, their little friend suddenly becomes a BIG problem...

The sisters are safe and sound in their beds, 
Their nightmares a folly, it's all in their heads.
Now wait, I hear something, perhaps it's a scream...
                                                                                 Oh, I'm so sorry, it's not all a dream!
                                                                                   They cannot survive this, reader beware!
                                                                                   Unless I'm mistaken, you're in for a scare!

     This has turned out to be one of the most adorable stories that I have had the pleasure to read and if you don’t think so read it for yourself because this issue arc should be a must read. I like the messages that I see here as the girls find themselves being purposefully frightened and must face and overcome their fear to get home safe and sound. Also if you’ve been reading this then you’ll know that the sisters don’t always get along and that is a commonality between siblings worldwide, most noticeably when only one is a teenager then when they both are! So reconnecting with each other strengthening that sisterly bond that needed to happen as well.

     Jeremy writes a pretty brilliant story here as he weaves the messages in more subtly than I would have thought possible while still focusing on the thrills and chills. Of course there’s also that whole deal about friendship and accepting someone different than you who could end up being the dearest friend around, or your worst nightmare.  
     The way this is written and how it flows has been extremely well done. I’ve been impressed with the use of horror in this from an all-ages perspective. That this will resonate with people of all ages, boys and girls, is what makes this a must read. I think at some point people forget that other folks have feelings too and need to be treated with respect and courtesy.

     Chris and Brittany do some really nice work on the interiors here. I love the way they can express their creativity and imagination with the “horrors” that we see. Also let’s face it Slappy is one heck of a creepy doll in and of himself and is enough to give me nightmares. The use of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a great eye for storytelling. There is some nice attention to detail going on here as well and when it shows off the crypt of headstones its the stuff that we see, remember and expect so well done. When we see backgrounds the panels are astounding I mean talk about upping the creepy factor and expanding the story! That library for instance was utterly amazing.

     The story, the characters and the way the entire story has been told shows us that while Goosebumps may have been popular among a certain age group, they were the ones watching it on Nickelodeon after all, but it’s really something that everyone can enjoy and learn from. Also the concept of the story is fantastic and the ending was great because it kept the surprises going. Though having the Gummy event described was something that was better this way because I actually laughed out loud picturing it in my mind.
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     Cute, creative and a lesson to learn this is what IDW all-ages bring us and ya know what I couldn’t be any happier about it.

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Marvel Two-In-One #3

2/19/2018

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Marvel Two-In-One #3
Marvel Comics 2017
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Illustrated by Valerio Schiti
Coloured by Frank Martin
Lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna


     Doctor Doom alerted Ben Grimm, A.K.A. the Thing, to a message Reed Richards left behind in the event of his death. It contained directions to the Multisect, a device that would allow the remaining members of the Fantastic Four to explore the wonders of the Multiverse together. But when Ben tracked down Johnny Storm he found the Human Torch ravaged by grief and losing his powers. Unable to hurt Johnny further, Ben lied about the contents of the message and said that Reed and Sue might still be alive. Now that they’ve located the Multisect, will the truth come out?

     If there is one thing to be said for this is that each issue so far has included someone from the Marvel Universe that isn’t quite expected. This issue the ever-loving Thing has gone and sought the help of an old friend who once lost his powers only to regain them again, without the whole father returned them drama. I do love the wordplay here and by that I’m referring to the dialogue and what Chip does with it. I mean seriously the fact that an alcoholic is in a bar was almost upsetting until he revealed that he was drinking a non-alcoholic brand made by Stark.

     Figured out who this Prince of Power is yet? Well as it so happens he takes them to meet Ms. Koul who helped him to regain his powers. Turns out that we already met Rachna in issue one so once again Chip manages to weave the story together in ways that something that once appeared has major consequences later on. It is here that some very strange aspects of the story are coming to light and raises the questions as to the future of the Fantastic Four. I mean is this ultimately to bring the team back or is this it’s death-toll, once again?

     I’m all for figuring out the answer to Johnny’s power loss issues and leaving Reed and Sue deceased thus having to add Doctor Doom in his Iron Man suit and my preference for She-Hulk to round out the team. I mean granted in comics no one ever dies and stays dead but it would be nice if they did a Barry Allen and stayed dead for quite some time. After all neither Ben or Johnny have the smarts to really figure things out and well Victor isn’t so inclined to want him back so soon. So for all intents and purposes this is something that is on everyone’s mind.

     Chip’s ability to tell this story and include many different angles and points of view so that we don’t know for sure what the books true intentions are is simply magnificent. He has made this one of Marvel’s best go-to series in three issue and that’s a feat no one else has been able to do. He has had help of course in Valerio who’s work is exemplary.   Still the way the book is structured and how the Chip transitions between various parts of the story is so incredibly good.

     The use of the page layouts so that we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a strong solid eye for storytelling. His attention to detail here is fantastic, though lose Herc’s manbun already, and he along with Frank as they depict Hydro-Man well it’s some great wow moments. I love that vibrancy and life they bring to this. When backgrounds are used they do so much to expand the story, the moment and the scope of what’s happening so much so that I wish that we’d see more of them used with the kind of attention to detail that makes things so nice.

     While I don’t know how long this is scheduled for but I am hoping that this will be an ongoing monthly since it is one of the company’s best, in my humble opinion, book to date. There is an opportunity to get some of those lesser known characters back in the spotlight for a story and that concept is more thrilling than the powers that be might imagine. With the Ever Lovin Thing leading the way as Marvel’s most likeable character this wouldn’t be a hard sell.

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The Mighty Crusaders #3

2/18/2018

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The Mighty Crusaders #3
Dark Circle Comics 2017
Written by Ian Flynn
Pencilled by Kelsey Shannon
Inked by Ryan Jampole
Coloured by Matt Herms
Lettered by Jack Morelli


     With kind hearts, an unwavering will to protect humanity and abilities beyond the average person's wildest dreams, it's no wonder why The Mighty Crusaders are so loved and adored by all--or at least almost by all...
​     Enter the Eliminators. A team of savage villains with unbelievable destructive powers who only have one goal in mind: ELIMINATE THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS!

     
Well this issue starts up right where we left off with the Eliminators showing up to take down the Mighty Crusaders. I like this because with no time passing it allows Ian to really tell the story the way he wants to as if it’s in real time. Before we get to the action however we get a moment of reflection from Steel Sterling. It’s an odd moment to have right before a huge battle to some I guess but Ian isn’t most people now is he? There is a method to the madness here and what that is is something you’ll have to read the book to find out.

     Meanwhile we should get to the action. Now if you’ve been following along you know that the team hasn’t gelled with one another yet and a large part of that is the leadership of this team. While The Shield symbolically is the natural choice she still isn’t used to being in what she sees as the future and hasn’t tried making that connection with her teammates. It is a problem within the team and without proper communication things will not play out the way any of them anticipate. Then again trial by fire is an ancient tried and true method of getting ones feet wet in battle.

     So given what has occurred and what is currently happening we won’t get into the meat and potatoes of the battle and instead talk about how well Ian has structured this book. I am enjoying the whole ebb & flow of what is happening within these pages as the story moves forward. The way information is released in the midst of battle and as we see other parts of the ongoing story come forth it would seem that all the moving parts from what we’ve been seeing are working concert with one another to form the bigger picture.

     I love that Ian has managed to really infuse all of this into a what will become a single story in the not too distant future. Well that is provided they can survive their current endeavour with the Eliminators. So maybe just maybe it’s time for us to finally see what the most mysterious of the new members of the team has to offer here. Which is something I think we’ve all been looking forward to since her first appearance.

     Kelsey, Ryan and Matt do some really solid work on the interiors here. While you cant tell it’s an Archie book based on the work it has more depth and darker stuff going on here. Hence the whole Dark Circle imprint. Still it has that bright vibrant look, tone and feel of a superhero book and that’s what we want to see. Bright colourful costumes are what’s missing in today’s modern comics so that we get them here is a blessing. The way page layouts are done so that we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a solid eye for storytelling. Yes I would like to see more backgrounds in use but then again what we see makes up for any moments that may be lacking.
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     This is everything I want in a superhero comic book it’s bright, dark and completely engrossing. This is how to make a modern day superhero book pure and simple.

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Stabbity Bunny #2

2/18/2018

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Stabbity Bunny #2
Scout Comics 2018
Created & Written by Richard Rivera
Created & Illustrated by Dwayne Biddix
Coloured by Liezl Buenaventura
Lettered by Jaymes Reed


     Grace and her Mom struggle to regain a sense of normalcy, walking the fine line between honesty and keeping family secrets. Lena, Grace's Nana, becomes involved in researching the man behind the kidnapping. Glyph emerges from the shadows to move forward with his evil plan by corrupting someone at the school. More is revealed about the night of the abduction with terrifying consequences.

     This is definitely not a kids book so don’t make the mistake of sharing this with a little one. It is very much an adult oriented book and so far so good even though the star of this is Grace and as cute and adorable as she is she has that secret weapon in Stabbity Bunny. More than a stuffed animal he’s a protector and he’ll protect Grace with his life and trust me after last issue you don’t wanna see him in action! I’m so glad Scout picked this up because it’s a hell of a story and it’s incredibly well done and it needs to have a huge mainstream audience.

     So while the story is very adult oriented the interior artwork has a more all-ages feel to it. What Dwayne brings to this however is pretty amazing in my eyes. He really uses the panels to their fullest here and seeing the backgrounds from the pattern of the wallpaper to cafeteria and the playground he is able to expand the scope of the story. Mind you I want to see him use them in every panel but we’ll work on that later lol he’s got plenty of issues still to go. The use of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a solid eye for storytelling. I really like the emotion and feeling he’s able to bring here.

     I do like how Richard is telling this story. The pacing is important and we get to see just the right mix of family secrets and seeing who is out there trying for Grace. So the fact that we’re seeing some duality in the storytelling is handled very well and while I’m not sure who this old man really is he’s frightening nonetheless and I gotta tell ya it’s very effective when we see him and the bus stop was more telling than you’d think. Also go Nana because she’s a hoot! Who doesn’t love a motorcycle grandma? Plus she’s got the knowledge and secrets of her daughter and granddaughter so she’s a major player in this, I hope.

     Oh also there’s Ronnie and he’s Grace’s friend at school. Probably her best friend and if truth be told his mom’s got it right and he’s got that grade school crush on her. He is using slang a little older than a second grader should be hey that’s alright it’s cute and endearing and he’s kind of the perfect “straight” man for Grace. His role shouldn’t be discounted because his interaction with Grace, and Stabbity who I think did it (what you ask well read the book), on the playground and later when we see him at home yeah either he has a secret of his own or more likely this was because of Grace.
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     This is one of the most creative and cute books out there and it’s got that horror element down pat. In a world where horror encompasses so much this one is in a class all it’s own as there is no sub-genre for a book like this, sure supernatural might be right but with the characters and how it looks heck even Goosebumps can’t compete.

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