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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 Forgotten Queen #1

2/27/2019

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The Forgotten Queen #1
Valiant Entertainment 2019
Written by Tini Howard
Illustrated by Amilcar Pinna
Coloured by Ulises Arreola
Lettered by Jeff Powel


       An ancient evil returns!
      Long ago, the mighty generals of the Mongol Empire rode from Siberia to Carpathia and conquered all who stood in their way. Legends tell of a witch who walked with them, who could infect the hearts of any warriors in her midst with an unquenchable thirst for battle and bloodshed…a War-Monger. And now she is walking again.

      Okay so personally I have been waiting for more of our War-Monger, the Forgotten Queen, for a while now. I know she’s gone toe-to-toe with various incarnations of the Unity teams but really I want to see the past she has with the brother three or just Armstrong and Gilad. With all she’s about and how long she’s existed it makes sense but before that this, this is what I have been wanting! let’s flesh her out and make her more of what she should be. I cannot think of anyone else whom I would rather have at the helm for this either as Tini has made a wonderful impact upon me with her work, Euthanauts is one of those amazing books that shows off her incredible talent.

      So the way this story is told is pretty gosh darn amazing! Tini uses the “now and then” way of storytelling to kind of initiate us in the history of Vaxanna and how that relates to what is going on in the present. Though there is one thing I would like clarification on, I was under the assumption she couldn’t kill anyone by her own hand and I am wondering if that is still true? So the way this is structured has me all a twitter with anticipation! When the past starts up we are in the dark as to how this era is important more than any other and it is puzzling to a degree. It is also something that piques the curiosity and interest factor even more. It makes me want to keep reading, it makes me want to know more and explore further which is something I love feeling and that Tini does that so well here is spectacular.

      I am a huge fan of the interior artwork here as well. There seems to be a very different style to the past than what we see in the present. By this I mean the present is very now, very clean, strong and almost “dry” while by comparison the past is romantic, sweeping and subtle. I wish we all lived like they did in the past because visually it’s stunningly superior to the coldness I feel is represented now. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off this stupendous eye for storytelling. Backgrounds baby I love seeing them utilised all the past and all the detail that goes into them, specially in the past, is stunning. The colour work is utterly fabulous and it is really what sets the tones of the past and present and makes them so effective. The shading, the colour gradation and the ways that light sources are used spotlight some sensational talent.

       Valiant has never been afraid to push the envelope as far as it can and for that I am extremely grateful. I don’t know whose idea the story’s is but kudos and congratulations because this is bloody brilliant in how it’s dreamt up and executed. The characterisation that we see here is beyond what I was expecting, which was already at a high level, and to be honest once things got started I couldn’t get enough. Finally a woman who is unapologetically what she is to the fullest, so if your unlucky to be in her way or find yourself the centre of her love you never now what it is that’s going to happen.
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      Exciting, unexpected and full of that which we’d never expect to see are all what make The Forgotten Queen one of this weeks hottest reads.

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Punks Not Dead #1 London's Calling

2/27/2019

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Punks Not Dead #1 London's Calling
Black Crown/IDW Publishing 2018
Written by David Barnett
Illustrated by Martin Simmonds
With Flatting by Dee Cunnifffe


      Teenage geek Fergie Ferguson and his BF Sid, the ghost of a punk rocker who only Fergie can see or hear, are on the lam for a murder they didn’t exactly commit. They’ve made it to London but on their tail are the police, the quirky paranormal investigation agency the Department of Extra-Usual Affairs, and some really freaky magpie monsters, so there’s not (much) time for sightseeing. While Fergie tracks down his long-absent father to get answers about his powerful new “abilities” (Sid calls them “psychic grenades”), DfEUA’s old-school mod super spy Dorothy Culpepper and her sensible young partner Asif Baig uncover evidence that links Fergie to the underworld. Fergie’s mum Julie and his not-a-girlfriend Natalie also join forces to save Fergie from life in prison… but with a psychopathic serial killer showing an interest, everybody might soon be running out of time. How does any of this connect to a visually searing three-chord apocalypse?

      Lets get right down to business shall we? The opening here is bloody marvellous as we see what Bobby Von Dernbach is up to. Doing the Lord’s work he says, for the greater good. Now I am not up to snuff about his mission but as he’s a new player if I am not mistaken and well while it’s always good to have fans sometimes it comes at a price no one really wants to pay. Still if what we see of him is any indication I am all for him sticking around a while. Meaning that he doesn’t get killed before this arc is over. I wonder if there is a law or something about too many unique, interesting and killer characters in one book?

      So Sid and Fergie oh their entrance made me laugh like no ones business. That guy only offered him a tenner yeah I'd be insulted. What I really about that discussion though is how normal it seems and the nonchalant way they went that. While we know whom he fancies I wonder if he would’ve if the price were right—either of them. This is Jolly Old and while that doesn’t really mean much it is a little more progressive in thinking along those terms. Actually this does bring me to the characterisation in this book. This is seriously some hella good writing, the way the book is structured and the dialogue and actions that flesh the characterisation is nearly flawless. This is strong, the kind of strength that pulls you in with a deceivingly strong grip and doesn’t let you go.

       The interior artwork here is utterly sensational. Not only am impressed by the utilisation of the linework to create really nice attention to detail but the colour work is out of this world. From Sid and his ghostly form to the way the Union Jack is seen in the background all of these are wow factors. The creativity and imagination on display within these pages blows me away and then to see Natalie undergo her transformation the way we do is stunning! So is the new look Fergie gets here. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a superb eye for storytelling. While I wish the way backgrounds were utilised was stronger, see more use of them, there are times, like when we meet Rose, where everything can be forgiven.

       If I am to be bluntly honest I hope Fergie never finds his father. After that all I can see is things going downhill and winding up the whole affair. To see him travelling with Sid and the emergence of his powers and why Sid’s even attached to him is where the fun’s at! Yes answers would be nice and those fools from their supernatural division of MI5 (mhmm) well I do believe they will always be a few steps behind from the way things look and I am okay with that.
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      Everything about this book screams at the reader. There is no looking away, no rubbernecking and no escape from just how damn good this book is.  

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Middlewest #4

2/26/2019

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Middlewest #4
Image Comics 2018
Written by Skottie Young
Illustrated by Jorge Corona
Coloured by Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot


       Abel and the fox have wandered into a small-town carnival where they should be able to find the healer they seek. While they search, Fox teaches Abel that survival sometimes means bending the rules a bit.

      Alright so the opening for this issue can give clowns a run for their money in the horrifically scary category. Not that travelling carnivals are supposed to be but in this world nothing is for certain and the fox gets to talk well why the heck not. I am not sure which is funnier though because one of the first things I thought of was Scooby-Doo, both the original run with the Funland Robot and later that Cyber-Chase film where they end up in the carnival. Yes I am a proud product of my generation so I guess now that I’ve thought about and it’s in writing that yes carnivals’ can be quite scary indeed. So back to the issue at hand, with creepy hawkers vying for attention and the boys looking for the Mystical Magdalena you just know that all manner of trouble is going to occur.

      I wholeheartedly think that most folks underestimate this book. Skottie might be known for those baby hero covers but he’s gosh darn good writer as well and this shines the proverbial spotlight on that. The way the book is structured is extremely well done and the overall ebb & flow that is created through the story & plot development is pretty sensational. Plus reading this we also run the gauntlet of emotions from giggling through cringing and all the while getting some fine characterisation in the process. I am immensely enjoying getting to know these two characters and the potential of meeting these carnival folks has brought forth well yeah it makes me excited as a reader.

      Well if there is one thing we do know is that the fox is willing to ditch Abel at the first sign of trouble only to reappear when danger has passed. Which he wouldn’t be in in the first place if it weren’t for the fox getting into it to begin with. However that being said seeing Abel run through the carnival being chased and showing some real initiative in trying to evade them well I am beginning to respect the kid a little more. There is something to be said that he’s started out as this snivelling brat and is becoming a lot more worldly and interesting.

      Jorge and Jean-Francois are doing so charmingly delightful work on the interiors here. The imagination and creativity we see right off the bat is stunning! The way their vision is brought to life here is as gorgeous as it creepy which for me couldn’t be any better no matter who tried. The linework and how it’s manipulated through it’s varying weights to bring us this attention to detail is nicely done. Yes the trees look like they are out of an old children’s book but the composition, the lines in them like giant leaves is just yeah that. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off an amazing eye for storytelling. Being that I am a backgrounds advocate, okay fine fanatic, and see them like this here, it perfectly encompasses why I feel they are important. Oh the colour work. The gradation, the way light sources are utilised for shading and highlights is marvellous to see. The work also serves to help define the characters and more so the fox and his fur! I feel like each issue the work gets better and better and I am scared to see how good it can still get.
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      The antics here are great, almost predictable and yet sometimes still surprising. The writing is pretty near flawless as is the interior artwork. For me this should be one of the most talk about series of 2019!

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Conspiracy #3 Denver Airport

2/26/2019

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Conspiracy #3 Denver Airport
Zenescope Entertainment 2018
Written by Hans Rodionoff
Illustrated by J.G. Miranda
Coloured by Leonardo Paciarotti
Lettered by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios


       There are many stories surrounding the Denver Airport, is it hiding a secret underground base? Does the creepy Mustang statue ward off demons? What secrets does it keep from the outside world?

      I have to admit that this issue did a lot for me where my mind and thinking are concerned. To be honest I cannot recall hearing anything  about the Denver Airport among the conspiracy theories out there in the world. So now I have something new to think about there and that is what you hope a story will do to a reader, open up something new that they didn’t know about. Then add into all that the story itself, the characters we are introduced to and how it all unfolds and this, this one took me by surprise and in the best possible ways!

      So the Mayor of Denver is meeting up with Senator Muransky. God only knows of what state she represents but I think that’s irrelevant to be honest because she’s here and that’s that. Her son is along with her and he’s one of those characters you instantly fall in love with. He is crazy, opinionated and definitely the epitome of privilege and stereotypes aside his personality is infectious. What Hans does here with him is some of the most crazy in-depth and honest approaches I have ever seen and by god it works like a damn charm.

      I really found myself engrossed in this story. Any time a story can be this honest in its approach and make no bones about Kyle being obsessed with all the conspiracy aspects of the airport as they walk through it makes me incredibly happy. I learned more about the legends behind the airport by reading this than I would’ve imagined was even out there. It also sparked my interest in the airport and I wanna go explore for myself! Yeah that’s the power of storytelling. Kyle is someone you want to see go through this and find out for himself if the rumours are true and root for him to boot. You want to see him be able to livestream or Instagram live or whichever social media platform it is he uses and tell the world about what’s going on.

      The interiors from J.G. and Leonardo are spectacular! I so impressed with the linework here from it’s delicate use to it’s boldness and how they are can used side by side or even blended to create this magnificent attention to detail really is marvellous. The way we see the entire panels utilised as they are fleshing out the airport and the scenes is so stupendous in how it expands those moments and brings this whole size and scope to the story. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us this meticulous eye for storytelling. The colour work here as well is just as impressive in helping to flesh out this story.
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      The writing here is superb and I mean that with all my heart. The way the story unfolds and all the twists and turns that encompass what we see makes this one of the strongest stories of the week. The way we get into the characters and care about what is going to happen to them is insane. Everything and nothing is what it seems to be here and that by the end of the issue we see our intrepid duo talking about these people I sincerely was wanting to see Kyle hook up with them. This series has been nothing if not fascinating and the tension created here to finally see where it’s all going pretty much guarantees that we’re coming back.

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Punchline #4

2/26/2019

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Punchline #4
Antarctic Press 2018
Written & Lettered by Bill Williams
Illustrated by Matthew Weldon
Coloured by Tiago Barsa


      Unwanted Help
     Mel and her friends gather to hold a wake for her career as a costumed crime-fighter. The next day, sporting an epic hangover, Mel dives right into Jessie's personal life in a misguided attempt to bond with her new partner.


      This has become one of my favourite books to read, well and Rags as well. I really am enjoying the writing and interiors here as they have that incredible look and feel to them that makes me as a reader excited just by seeing the cover. How long has it been since you’ve felt that rush of euphoria when you see the cover of a comic book? Then to open it up and read the book and feel that same rush the entire time it’s in your hands? Antarctic Press is doing that for me like the Titans or Legion did way back when I was a teenager.

      The way this is structured is extremely well done. The way the book flows and how we go from the opening into the story itself all the way through the last page it has this way about it in revealing information and characterisation that makes you feel a part of things. Granted I am not sure I would like to be a part of Mel’s world but that’s okay. The opening though does expand this world a bit and there seems to be plenty of women in this world that have super-powers or at least fight crime in some way shape of form. It is a nice kind segue if anyone were to want to tackle a new book connected to this one. Which after seeing the Beetle last issue I do so fervently hope she’s coming back again.

      Now when we get to the point where Mel and Jessie get together for their training session things do get a bit intense. The writing here is superb and the dialogue and characterisation between these two characters blew me away. Annie Lennox sang the song “There’s a thin line between love and hate” and from what I am seeing here that couldn’t be any  truer. It also makes me think of about the road paved with good intentions and I found myself utterly fascinated and horrified at the same time by what transpired here. The connection that grows out this for the reader to the characters is stupendous.

      The interiors here are delightful. The utilisation of the varying weights in the linework to establish not only the characters but the city around them through the attention to detail is pure comic book goodness. Yes while there are some rather angst type moments the look, feel and tone of the book still has that brightness that holds promise. This is why I love this look it reminds of the past and holds that promise of the future in its linework and colour work. The colour gradation and the way some moments or items pop more brightly is extremely nice to see. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a stellar eye for storytelling. I will say that the way we see backgrounds being utilised is great, I would still like to see more of them. They do wonders in expanding the way we see moments and the size and scope of this world.
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       This is a phenomenal series so far and it only seems to be getting better and stronger with each issue that comes out. I love that we haven’t jumped into Jessie understanding how to control these powers or that she’s a literal sidekick. While Mel still has a few tricks up her sleeve and she’s depressed about not being super the relationship between them is still growing and evolving. Sure mentor and apprentice is what we see for now and that’s how it should be, for a while. The pacing is sensational and I cannot wait to see what comes next!

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Breakneck #3

2/25/2019

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Breakout #3
Hard Case Crime/Titan Comics 2018
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Illustrated by Simone Guglielmini & Raffaele Semeraro
Coloured by Chris Chuckry
Lettered by Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt


      Joe Hayward isn't a hero. He isn't even an anti-hero! But with less than two hours to save Philadelphia from a terrorist plot, there's no time to be picky!

      I am such a fan of this book, I know I am not the only one either because I have been told. It really all has to do with the way that Duane is telling this amazing story. Yes it’s a plot found in a novel and yes it has that almost odd couple/buddy type action thriller comedy feel that would do well in the cinema. That the dialogue is utterly sensational, the characterisation this phenomenal and the pacing being so darn good it’s no wonder just how good we all think this is.

     The way that this is structured is perfectly done. We have a countdown clock sure and we’ve got that threat to the world in progress and there seems to be no shortage of bad guys continuously popping up. All this together should sound way too much is going on but the way that all these different elements are brought together and weave in, out and around each other is bloody brilliant writing. I have mentioned the dialogue and it is beyond reproach but it goes hand in hand with the characterisation and it seems like with each page we get to that keeps changing, evolving and growing the characters into what we didn’t see in the beginning.

      I really liked the addition of Amelia to this strange cast and to see her in action wielding that giant pink dildo brings untold joy to me. That is an element we have, okay at least I, have never seen utilised before. Yes we’ve seen sex in comics, SEX after all, and we’ve seen odd objects used but never in a setting like this one. So these unusual circumstances that we see occurring within these pages is a part of it’s uniqueness, charm and charisma that makes it hard, if not impossible, to look away. I’ll go there, it grabs you by the balls with just enough force to grab your attention and hurt in the most erotic of ways, see I went there alright.

      The guys work on the interiors here is amazingly on point. I am a huge fan of the way that the linework is utilised through it’s varying weights to create such bold strokes and fine lines. That they are able to come together so that they can showcase such lovely attention to detail. From the trees in the dead of winter to the way clothing fits or the patterns in everything, from the shirts or the buildings or even the bricks. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us a really strong eye for storytelling. The way we see backgrounds utilised in the pages is essential in expanding the moments and bringing that size and scope of the story to life. The colour work is wonderful as well. For the most part I really like the muted colours then seeing pops here and there which makes characters, moments and places burst to life.

      If I am to be completely honest the world needs more Hard Case Crime in our lives. The line is sophisticated and delightful in the way they are told. For me it also reminds me of growing up when my mother used to watch A&E when they showed the rotating crime drama’s, Kojak, Columbo, McCloud and MacMillan & Wife. Those were, excuse me ARE classic shows that have those elements I see in these. There is the right amount of mystery & intrigue to along with the thriller aspect and throwing in the romance as well.
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      No powers, tights or abilities, no problem!

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Nice #03

2/25/2019

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Nice #03
American Gothic Press 2018
Written by Dagen Walker & Joseph Ettinger
Illustrated by Marc Rene
Coloured by Dennis Calero
Lettered by Jenn Pham


        DNA
      It's all in the blood: when Hanin's DNA is discovered at a crime scene, she reveals her secret to the precinct blood specialist and they go hunting across town for someone who may not exist. Meanwhile, Kevin and Jose have been given one last hit to test their loyalty to NICE, but the required medical exam to move up in the organization presents a roadblock that Kevin is not prepared for.

      It is rather interesting to see because there is so much more to Hanin than meets the eye. Her scarring is extensive and much more than I would presume is a result of the job which begs the question what happened to her. She’s closed off more Trump is from the truth. What this level of mystery surrounding her really does is engage the readers in such a way that you create a version in your head of her childhood and what happened to her growing up. This issue just adds one piece to the puzzle as it simultaneously makes the larger picture harder to see. This is exceptional in my opinion because it really does show a level of mastery that sneaks up on you, grabs you by the scruff of your neck and never lets go.

      The way that this book is structured is phenomenally well done. The ebb & flow created by the way information is revealed leading into the next segment and so on and so forth really makes an impact on the reader. I don’t want to say that this is cinematic in how I see it but it is very serialised television in my eyes. We get to see the key moments in each of the players lives that needs to stand out so that we can understand what is happening with them. Granted jobs are one thing but the overall story is so much more than the boys getting more work as cleaners or hit-men and the same goes for Hanin and her job. This is more about them and less about the work and I have to say that this blended to be that way is something I appreciate and I think is extremely well done.

      Marc and Dennis work well together and create a very stylish look for the interior artwork. There is a nice mixture of smaller more delicate linework to go alongside the bolder stronger lines that really helps to create that attention to detail and draws the eye where it needs to go. I love seeing the faces and facial expressions here as they really do wonders with expressing emotions, feelings and adding to the characterisation. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a really sweet eye for storytelling. Now I like backgrounds, for me they add size and scope to the story as well as flesh out the moments and kind of bring this focus. I would like to see more of that here, doesn’t have to be every page, page 7 for example is stunning the way it is, but more would be nice. Goodness the colour work is absolutely delightful to see. I love the gradation, use of shading and how we see light sources utilised.
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      As a fan of the medium of comics I love the fact that there are companies like AGP out there. They don’t do a hell of a lot of books but what they do is always so professional. The writing is strong, dynamic and full of those wow factor moments that keep us entertained and coming back for more. Then there’s interiors which always manage to suit the story to a “T” and it makes it easy for me to say yeah AGP needs to find it’s way into my pile every time something comes out. You should have it in yours too if you consider yourself a fan of comics.

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Turok #2

2/25/2019

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Turok #02
Dynamite Entertainment 2019
Written by Ron Marz
Illustrated by Roberto Castro
Coloured by Salvatore Aiala
Lettered by A Larger World Studio’s Troy Peteri


      Turok and Andar pierce the veil and find themselves out of time, literally, in the Lost Valley! The Kiowa warriors are surrounded by hungry dinosaurs, and their only possible allies are the cavalry soldiers sworn to capture them. But all is not as it seems in the time-lost land, and the key to solving the mystery might well be the shadowy bounty hunter dogging Turok's trail.

       I have been waiting for Turok to once more be amidst the dinosaurs or at least hunting them. What I wasn’t expecting was for Ron to go back to literally the first story ever told, over in Dell comics #596 of Four Color Comics in 1954. Small history lesson there for ya. For me this is what spawned things like Land of the Lost which were all in some ways inspired by the Land that Time Forgot. All of this does have a point I promise, the point being that while it’s been a number of years the legend this spawned from really is alive and well. Ron taking this back to it’s roots with a few tweaks to make it a combination of his own new vision melded with the past is extremely nice to see. This is why legends never die they just stronger with age.

      The Blue-coats have followed the brothers into the vortex naturally I mean we are civil war era where men thought about money, and whores, above all else. Though the last person to come through remains a mystery still and I am not mad about that at all. This dude has to understand how all this works and I have a few theories running around in my head. That I am thinking of those theories means Ron is doing an amazing job pulling me in and making my work in ways that the page doesn’t tell it to. So yeah this is what amazing storytellers do they tell a story that has the reader become so involved that they try to become a sleuth or detective (6 of one…) trying to get ahead of the game. This also pretty much guarantees that the reader comes back to see if what they think is correct or not.

      Roberto is laying down some incredible interior artwork here. The linework is utterly gorgeous and how he’s able to use the varying weights to create such attention to detail is sensational. From the faces, facial expression to the realness of the dinosaurs and the way the creases in the trousers look shows off such a steady hand and wonderful imagination and creativity on display. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off an amazing eye for storytelling. The way backgrounds are utilised makes me happy as they really do help to expand the moments and bring a size and scope to the story. The colour work here is marvellous! They have a natural hue when needed and really pop and make the creatures more realistic.
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      Aside from the fact that Ron is one of the modern eras premiere storytellers, Turok is one of the most interesting and complex characters that is still spotlighted today. That I see this story taking him back to basics and how the characterisation with him, Andar and the soldiers is developing is beyond anything I could have hoped for. This is the kind of Dynamite I expect to see on a regular basis it’s got that utterly amazing storytelling with interior artwork to match.  

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Appalachian Apocalypse #2

2/24/2019

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Appalachian Apocalypse! #2
Cave Pictures Publishing 2019
Written by Billy Tucci
Illustrated by Ethan Nicolle
Coloured by Ben Glibert
Lettered by Simon Bowland


       After the ancient staff of Lilith, mother of the damned, reanimates the dead, country boy J.B. and his estranged upper-crust wife Anne must come together to stop the zombie hordes and save the people of Appalachia! In this issue, the true origins and power of Lilith's staff come to light and the zombie outbreak begins!

      I have to say that this is one of those crazy stories that just makes you incredibly happy. What Billy is doing here is pretty spot on amazing and it makes me feel like it’s a film adaptation for one of those low-budget horror films, the kind that find their way to horror channels on Roku or Svengoolie. It strikes all the right notes when it comes to horror blended with comedy which for me is one of the best reasons around to be reading this.

     The way that this is structured is fantastic! The overall ebb & flow of the story and how we see the information revealed is so well done, not to mention so much damn fun. This ties intricately into how the characterisation is done as well. The opening is that perfect way to showcase that characterisation and how it decides which way the story is going to go. Neil for example pricks his finger when Anne interrupts him this sets off the chain reaction of his actions that carry throughout the entire book. It really creates the perfect catalyst for the downward spiral that will follow the entire run and I couldn’t be any happier about it.

      Give Billy all props here because how we see the characters introduced and drawn into the thick of things is extremely well done. It isn’t just the main characters either it is the entire setting of folks in this town that are now what we’d consider cannon-fodder for the undead. You have to have a decent sized population in a zombie tale after all otherwise it would be just a few of them running around and where would the fun in that be? So I am utterly impressed with the way the book is coming to life before us. This is the issue where everything changes and this is great because the way the pacing is in this story isn’t something goes quickly or rolls along instead it really really is just kind of perfectly done.

      Normally this kind of new age cartoon style work isn’t something I am terribly fond of. However in this setting with this kind of story it fits. We get a great amount of emotion coming from the characters faces and facial expressions. Yes I wish there was some more intricate use of the varying weights of the linework and yes I am one of those snobbish kind of art lovers but to be frank and honest I think this couldn’t have been done any other way and work as well as it does. Also the creativity and imagination that on display here is phenomenal and if you need proof see that full on mouse or rat pinned down. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a very good, solid eye for storytelling. I am even impressed with the way backgrounds are being utilised. As an added bonus the colour work here is sensational.
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      This is one of those impressive tales that combines mythology and the supernatural to create one of the more unique variations on the genre. This is fun, offbeat and completely different than what you are going to find anywhere else.  

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Barbarella Dejah Thoris #02

2/24/2019

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Barbarella Dejah Thoris #02
Dynamite Entertainment 2019
Written by Leah Williams
Illustrated by German Garcia
Coloured by Addison Duke
Lettered by Crank!


     The Femmes from the Future find themselves on a world entirely covered by oceans. That’s no big deal, what with Earth 70% covered, but for the desert-born Dejah of Mars, some water wings are needed, stat! Really, though, the endless depths are the easy part… it’s the creatures lurking in the unknown that are the real threat, especially the intelligent ones!

     Last issue, the first one by the way, was all about setting up how these two women meet. We also ended up on this interesting note as well which was one of the better cliffhanger endings I have seen in quite some time. What Leah did and how she did it was quite brilliant and when we read this issue that brilliance shines even brighter and more confidently. The level of writing that I see here is utterly fantastic and the ebb & flow created through the course of these pages envelops you and makes you see things you might never have known before, especially regarding these two women.

      Picking up where we left off the ladies are in some kind of bubble under a sea. Considering that Barbarella was following her friend and mentor Doctor Gitu’s final message to her and somehow this meant Dejah having to be there as well, well that’s the mystery isn’t it? Why would Dejah who hails from a world where water was the scarcest of commodities be needed underwater? As we see Barbarella using this wonderful strong, smart and powerful mind of hers and her sassy as hell attitude you begin to really see how their two personalities are so vastly different and yet so the same.

       Leah is doing some of the most impressive work I have seen from her here. Not only is this book structured incredibly well, the ebb & flow is sensational and the way that their journey leads them to where they need to be well it is so well thought out and executed. The characterisation here for me is off the charts and I can totally see how one would want to kill the other during this but knowing it’s not wise all things considered well it’s amazing. Plus I never really knew how smart Barbarella was, I mean to see her basically use her mind here and not fighting anything or blowing it up well damn it is not what I was expecting at all!

       Now I am still not a fan of the style of the interior artwork here. There just isn’t any real attention to detail and lets not even get started on Dejah’s nipple covers. With the imagination and creativity in these creatures who live under the sea this could have been awe inspiring stuff but it falls short for me, I am really missing the varying weights in the linework to create something special. While the utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels is nicely done I am amazed we don’t see backgrounds. In this environment they should be everywhere! While it isn’t bad per se if this were an all-ages title I just don’t see it belonging here.
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      I love the premise, the way the story is being told and how these two women from different worlds and era’s can come together like this. With absolutely killer dialogue and some stellar pacing this is a good example where the story is so strong you just go with it, whether you enjoy the interiors or not.

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