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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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Steambound #1

2/19/2021

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Steambound #1
Behemoth Comics 2021
Written by Giuseppe Andreozzi
Illustrated by Lorenzo Di Santo
Coloured by Francesca Cittarelli

    Pandora. It is easy to get lost on the streets of megacities, like our protagonists, Hound, Yaeger, and Alice have. Raised together and linked by friendship and spider addiction, Hound is a knight of the order's restricted council, while Yaeger, genetically modified, works for the city's criminal cartels. Alice's request for help will force the group to join again.

    Alright so here’s what I love about this.  On a strange world where humanoid culture has grown to the point where overpopulation has caused these megacities to grow.  So this is a great example of the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor and I doubt there’s a middle class at all.  So for Hound to get out of the slums is a big deal and as we see this story of them as kids and adults throughout the book is utterly amazing.  This has that cautionary feel to it but as a side effect of the story itself so it’s not really something said but something felt by the reader.  The way this team brings this to life, the city, the characters and their place here is by far one of the more impressive feats I have seen done in comics lately.

    I love, love, love the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold and how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  Add into the fact we see Hound and Yeager as kids to start things off then see them grown up in one of the most amazing then and now that we hae seen lately.  With how this is structured and how the layers within the story emerge we get to see one of the more interesting introductions around.  The character development is out of this world!  The dialogue and interaction between the boys and how they act and react to the situations and circumstances really flesh them out as people.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through pages revealing the world, characters and what’s to come we find it’s over all too soon.  With how everything works together here to create the story’s ebb & flow is beyond marvellous.

    The interiors here are fantastic!the linework is strong and how we see the varying weights being utilised to create the detail work we see is utterly gorgeous.  The way that backgrounds are being utilised and how we see them in the composition within the panels helps to create the mood, tone and feel in the book.  The faces and facial expressions are phenomenal and I love the kids faces and how they express so much.  The characterisation they bring to this is so lovely to see.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show an extremely talented eye for storytelling.  The colour work is beautifully rendered.  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work shows such a strong eye and understanding how colour works.  Plus the creativity and imagination that is on display here is off the charts and Puk is the greatest example of this.
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    I am thrilled beyond belief with this issue and how it introduces us to this story.  This is a perfect example of why I keep telling all of you to look for books outside the larger companies and find these smaller press publishing houses.  After all this is the kind of storytelling that will not only impress you but thrill you as it takes you to places you never thought you’d go.

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Black Friday #1

2/18/2021

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Black Friday #1
Black Caravan/Scout Comics 2021
Written by Jon Clark
Illustrated by Travis Williamson
Lettered by April Brown

    Black Caravan Imprint! Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year. Millions of Americans pack the aisles of retail outlets all over the country battling for the best bargains. While an unlucky clean-up crew deals with the aftermath of the latest Black Friday frenzy, they discover that years of pent-up negative energy has released something very evil and dark into their superstore, which is just the way corporate wanted it.

    Well it isn’t so far out there as one might believe that a corporation would want to create complete and utter madness at their store on and for Black Friday.  The more violent and effed up the better right this way word gets around and suddenly year by year the amount of folks passing through the doors increases steadily.  We all know the horror stories and television shows tend to make the day that much harsher the reality is but if it weren’t we wouldn’t really enjoy it would we?  So I like the way this starts us off with all the craziness of a box store on Black Friday, with the deals, the shoving and everything that entails.  The story however gets going when we are introduced to two of the main characters, Javi and Ceci and from there things take a decidedly more outside the box turn.

    I am a fan of the way that this is being told.  How we see the story & plot development advance through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  The snippets of backstory, just enough to set the stage for what’s currently happening without having to get too far in-depth, how the characters come to be where they are at that moment.  All of it has a very easy way about it.  The character development is great and I get kind of who they are, more so the manager as anyone who’s ever worked retail knows him.  So watching them act and react to the situations and circumstances and watching them form into who they are is great to see.  The pacing here is superb and as it takes us through the pages it is actually kind of mesmerising or hypnotic in how the focus stays glued to the pages.

    I do like how we see this being structured and how the layers within the story are being introduced, and how they are introduced.  Seeing how everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow is stupendous.  This is a ride on the crazy train and you’ll be wanting your ticket punched ASAP!

    The interiors here are crazy cool in their own unique way.  It has this kind of Shel Silverstein on acid kind of feel to it and it completely and utterly works!  The linework that we see is great and how with the varying weights we see as well as different techniques being utilised to showcase the detail in the work is so gosh darn impressive.  Considering we’re in a box store I do wish we’d see backgrounds more instead of what looks like blue skie, at 3am.  Still how we see the composition within the panels has definite bonus points added to how we see this.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a strong eye for storytelling.  The colour work is pretty nifty as well.  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours as well as the techniques utilised in creating darker colours is really impressive.  I mean to show plenty of space and then to keep tightening up the crosshatching till it feels darker and darker without actually changing the hue or tone is brilliantly done.
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    While the Black Caravan imprint from Scout is impressive in itself and the fact that nothing i’ve from that has disappointed me in any way continues to showcase how smart they are in choosing the properties they endorse.  This bold, daring, creepy and has plenty of dark humour to keep you smiling, weary and engaged in this book.  

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The Immortal Hulk: Flatline #1

2/18/2021

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The Immortal Hulk: Flatline #1
Marvel Comics 2021
By Declan Shalvey
Lettered by VC’s Cory Petit

    Every morning, Bruce Banner wakes up in a new place. The Hulk is trying to tell him something — but Bruce has had enough of his green-veined alters. When a new gamma-powered villain shows up in a small New Mexico town, Bruce is forced to confront the source of his anger…and it’s not what you expect.

Well being a fan of Declan’s made this an easy no-brain decision to pick up.  I’m glad that I dd too because while I’ve not always been a fan of the Hulk, despite watching Bill Bixby growing up, Peter David’s current run of Maestro has my interest piqued at the moment.  Plus like I said it’s Declan Shalvey so you cannot go wrong there and considering this is a story set in the current timeline of the Marvel Universe it was just a tad more powerful than I was expecting it to be.  Now I am a huge fan in the power of characterisation and what Declan manages to do here completely blindsided me with just how strong and in-depth this really is.

    I am tremendous fan of the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is executed to absolute flawless perfection.  From the opening and being privy to the inside joke between Hulk and Bruce set the stage for something outside the box.  When we meet Professor Noolan to be perfectly honest I figured her for a figment of his imagination, some kind of fevered gamma dream moment kind of deal.  That Declan can use direct misdirection in this manner is incredible.  The character development that we see is as powerful as it gets in any kind of medium.  The exchanges we see and how having the point of what the Professor is trying to get across it just builds to such an intensity you feel like you are going to burst.  The pacing here is superb and as it takes us the pages revealing what we need to see is done with such aplomb.

    How we see this being structured and how the layers within the story work together to tie things together so it all fits in one issue shows off some hella skill and talent.  The way that everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow is utterly marvellous.

    The interiors here are fantastic!  The linework that we see is laid down extremely well and with the varying weights being utilised to bring out the detail work is utterly gorgeous.  I am kind of happy with the backgrounds that we see being utilised throughout.  I say Kind of because there could always be more and with how smartly we see the composition within the panels helps greatly.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a remarkable eye for storytelling.  I like how the colour work is done here.  Just the fact that we see so many of these gorgeous shades of green as the hues and tones within the colours are being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work.  I am truly impressed with everything that we are seeing within these pages from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
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    What a talent Declan is and if you are like me and only a passing fan of the Hulk’s you are going to need to pick this up.  I cannot express to you just how well this book is done from top to bottom and how powerful the story itself has turned out to be.  It really is books like this one, that aren’t a part of crossover, or tie-in, that we want to see more of.  This really took me to a place I wasn’t prepared for and when it was over it left me wanting to see more.

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Hollow Heart #01

2/17/2021

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Hollow Heart #1
Vault Comics 2021
Written & Lettered by Paul Allor
Illustrated by Paul Tucker

    EL used to be human. Now he’s a jumble of organs in a bio-suit. El is also in tremendous pain and has been for a very long time. Hope arrives in the form of Mateo, a mechanic brought in to work on EL’s suit. Mateo sees EL in a way no one else ever has. And what’s more: Mateo offers EL an escape. Hollow Heart reunites Tet creators Paul Allor and Paul Tucker for a queer monster love story about the choices we make between giving our loved ones what they want and giving them what we think they need.

    A couple of factors went into ensuring that I was going to pick this up, it is being put out of by Vault and Paul is writing it.  I met Paul a number of years ago at a convention and I’ve been a fan of his ever since so it’s only natural that I read what he’s working on.  Paul is a great example of hustle and persistence as he gained notice over the years and he now finds himself with this book here which is among some of his work yet.  The premise here is fantastic and I like that we enter this one already in progress so that there are so many questions left to be answered as well as finding it incredibly easy for the reader to become engaged.  

    I like the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented extremely well.  I mentioned that we were dropped into this already in progress and that’s a huge draw for me and the opening here sets up an intriguing dynamic between El and Donnie which will be more important later in the story.  Also I love how nonchalantly Mateo and Donnie mention their history here.  The character development is phenomenal!  I love that nothing really needs explaining and that these feel like already formed people whom we just happen to be getting to know.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages introducing us to the characters and the world they inhabit we’re treated a very interesting setup.

    The interiors here are a little rough to me but in all reality I’m actually okay with that.  There is something about El that reminds of the Spooky Space Kook, and if you don’t know who that is then shame on you, and I love that aspect of this.  I’d like to see more variation in the linework and avoid the moments where it seems the ink clumps, most noticeably around Mateo’s eyes.  I’d like to see backgrounds be utilised a lot more, particularly in the bar scenes.  Still the utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a very talented eye for storytelling.  I’m looking forward to watching him grow as an artist though because the foundation I’m seeing here is rock solid.  The colour work is well rendered also.  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours are being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work are beautifully done. I really am impressed with the colours and how the techniques are utilised to laid them down and bring out the whole mood, tone and feel of what we see.
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    For the longest time folks have been wanting inclusion and for me this is the first time that we see it done right.  No explaining, no setting the stage or whatnot just it happens with no fuss and no fanfare the way it should be.  Bring in the nature of the story and the diversity of the cast it really is nice to see this is as another normal offering on stands.  Leave it to Vault Comics to lead the way, they’ve revolutionised the science fiction genre and now this.  This is why I love comics and why I support Vault in every way I possibly can.

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Space Bastards #2

2/16/2021

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Space Bastards #2
Humanoids 2021
Written by Eric Peterson & Joe Aubrey
Illustrated by Darick Robertson
Coloured by Diego Rodriguez
Lettered by Simon Bowland
Special Thanks to Richard P. Clark

    The secret origin of the IPS! Several years ago, after failing to make a profitable exit from his sex robot company, Roy Sharpton hit upon his next big idea: buy the failing Intergalactic Postal Service! Learn how he combined Uber and Rollerball into a violent and competitive army of contract workers--and the most successful business in history!

    This is just a plain old fashioned laugh a minute over the top raunchy good time.  I mean this issue doesn’t skimp on the action and adventure that’s for sure but it’s nice to see that it is incredibly character driven.  Roy Sharpton is what I would call an idea man, he has great ideas but lacks the wherewithal to actually execute and keep those ideas afloat.  Now you can take this as something of a slight or not depending on how the idea man goes, those who seek help to fulfil the ideas are what makes them great, those who go it alone it’s a slight.  Either way what we learn here goes a long in showing us the kind of man Roy started out as and how he got to where he is now.

    The way that this is being told is really rather brilliant.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented beautifully.  The character development that we see is extraordinary!  This is beyond anything I was expecting to see and takes this to a whole different level of awesomeness.  The pacing that we see is phenomenal and as it takes us through the pages revealing the story and the twists & turns along the way we are treated to one hell of a ride.  With the way that we see this being structured as well as how the layers of the story continue and emerge from the beginning it showcases just how damn good this is.  The way that we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow is simply marvellous.

    Oh my stars and garters the interiors here are bloody brilliant!  I mean I thought the boys was some fine work but I have to tell you this is by far the best I’ve seen him to do to date.  I mean come on man, the different outfits and the different looks that encompass Roy’s life make the detail work that we see stand out like the light from a lighthouse.  The linework is exquisitely rendered and how the varying weights are utilised is fantastic.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show what a masters eye for storytelling Darick has.  The creativity and imagination that is on display here and how the backgrounds work within the composition within the panels is breathtaking.  The colour work is superb.  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is phenomenal!  The choices we see, the techniques in laying them down and overall the entirety of the work demonstrates such an understanding how how colour works.
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    This just keeps getting better and better with each turn of the page.  I mean here I thought this was going to be not much more than some mindless sex and violence but there’s a whole lot more going on there than you’d ever imagine.  This is why publishing houses like Humanoids need you to pay attention to the books they are putting out, this is going to be another of your magnificent obsessions and you’ll want that to continue.

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Gung-Ho: Sexy Beast #2

2/16/2021

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Gung-Ho: Sexy Beast #2
Ablaze Publishing 2021
Written by Benjamin Von Eckartsberg
Illustrated by Thomas Von Kummant
Translated by Ivanka Hahnenberger

    Archer accuses Bagster of raping Celine, and goes to Kingsten, demanding a public trial. But the trial does not go as planned. Instead of Bagster, it's Archer who is accused, betrayed and condemned by false evidence. Archer finds himself in very bad predicament, with the real possibility of permanent exile from the colony looming…

    There are many things I have been anticipating but nothing, absolutely nothing could have prepared me for the events of this issue.  I mean seriously and kudos by the way for being able to thrill, shock and amaze me all at the same time.  I am so thankful that Ablaze sees the value of European Comics and is bringing them to the western audience because this is what the standard for storytelling should be.  There is this amazing sensibility to the story where it could literally be anywhere on earth and it showcases human nature, unapologetically so.  Sometimes it is harsh and other times we’re reminded that we have a softer side it’s just a matter of who will stand up to whom and do what’s right.  In a world ravaged as this is it is so much harder to do what’s right rather than succumb to those in power who will do anything to retain it.  

    I love the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exquisitely well.  I mean picking up where we left off and then seeing how everything that’s been building up plays out is großartig!  We all know there are consequences for our actions but this, this is something else entirely.  The character development continues to impress me and as they change, evolve and grow it’s been a pleasure to watch them.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists & turns along the way we get this amazing journey.

    With the way we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to grow like vines throughout the story itself is utterly amazing to see.  Of course with how everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow making it so incredibly delightful.

    I am a fan of the interiors here.  It always impresses and amazes to see what computer artwork can be and with more and more use or practice it seems that it just gets that much more intense.  From seeing the smoke come out of Archer’s nose to Bagster’s semi-erect penis or the light streaming through the windows everything here creates this atmosphere stupendas!  As a huge proponent of utilising backgrounds and to see the way they are utilised within the composition of the panels brengt mir freyd.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a masterful eye for storytelling.  The colour work is shen as well.  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work shows some mad skill.  I mean how the sunlight streaming through can create additional light sources as well as the glow that comes with streaming through a wood structure with dust and all well it’s literally prekhtik!
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    Yes this has indeed brought my jewish upbringing with the yiddish and german ancestry and that this can do that to me, take me to my roots and my family’s past in a way that is warm, comforting and make it come alive again is a true testament to the power of the storytelling these gentlemen have.  Trust me you need to be reading not only this but EVERYTHING Ablaze is putting out.

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Eternals #2

2/15/2021

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Eternals #2
Marvel Comics 2021
Written by Kieron Gillen 
Illustrated by Esad Ribić
Coloured by Matthew Wilson
Lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles

    THANOS VS. IKARIS!
     In the heart of a city driven mad by time! Eternals live eternally. One is dead. They handle it well. No, they don’t. They handle it badly. Eternal revenge is a dish best served forever.

    While we are only two issues in this is exactly the kind of book that I want to read from Marvel.  There is a depth and complexity to the storytelling that makes me feel like we’re watching Dynasty but with super-heroes.  The drama, the intrigue and the unexpected twists and turns that just take the reader by surprise hit you one after the other in ways that make you feel like you’re at the carnival.  Also I greatly appreciate the fact that this isn’t a King in Black tie-in because I’m not really interested in reading any of that at all.  With Thanos taking centre stage as the villain, well the obvious villain anyway, we are really going to get to see just how powerful these Eternals really are and I for one am stoked for this.  I’ve never read anything that featured them before this and while I enjoyed Sersi in the Avengers this is a whole nother thing entirely.

    I am wholeheartedly enjoying the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold and how the reader learns information is presented perfectly.  I think it is beyond interesting to have the narration while we’re seeing everything happen as well and to learn who, or what, is doing the narration well that just made this much more intriguing.  The character development is phenomenal and for now it is interesting to see how these characters will react when the reality of the situation finally sets in.  In the meanwhile I am going to enjoy the verbal exchanges that can only come from a family who know each other all too well.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing more and more of the story you just don’t want it to end.

    I am impressed with how we see this being structured and the layers within the story continuing alongside those that are still emerging.  With how we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow we get this undeniable treat.  Plus this issue actually fleshes out their past as well and that for me is just an added bonus.

    Esad has a very unique style that is all his own and to see it play out through these pages like we do is marvellous.  The linework has this amazing ability to show strength through softness in ways that you never think about until you see it before your eyes.  Plus with the way that the attention to detail is seen throughout just has this weird effect on me and I absolutely adore that.  The way backgrounds are utilised could be better but in all honesty it’s how we see the composition within the panels that makes everything sing.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such an amazing eye for storytelling.  The colour work is exquisite as well.  How the various techniques are utilised to really bring the hues and tones within the colours out for the maximum effect is subtle yet bold.  The shading, highlights and shadow work really showcase a true understanding of how colour works.
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    This is the kind of treatment I wish we’d seen for the Inhumans.  This has that mixture of action/adventure, intrigue, mystery and everything that makes for compelling reading.  After reading this issue I had to go get the first one and read them back to back as I couldn’t believe that this is this good.

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Scout's Honor #2

2/15/2021

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Scout’s Honor #2
Aftershock Comics 2021
Written by David Pepose
Illustrated by Luca Casalanguida
Coloured by Matt Milla
Lettered by Carlos M. Mangual

    Ever since the bombs fell and the skies turned to nuclear fire, the Ranger Scouts of America have built their religion upon their most sacred law — always be prepared.  But after discovering a chilling secret in an abandoned bunker, Kit’s belief in the Scout tradition is rocked to the core — yet when a gang of murderous highwaymen breach the Ranger Scout compound, her growing doubts might come at a harrowing cost…

    This is a great example of why I think Aftershock is one of today’s premiere publishing houses.  David’s been a steady climb and his talent is undeniable and together at last we get a book of this calibre.  I mean it too because how we are seeing this story being told and the impact it has upon the reader is utterly tremendous.  Last issue we were introduced to the father and daughter team and yeah we had questions and the opening for this one answers those regarding the two of them and the secret they share.  Also it gives us a glimpse into the immediate aftermath of what happened and that we don’t really delve into that makes me even happier.

    I am in love with the way that this is being told.  How we see the story & plot development unfold thanks to seeing how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is impeccably laid down.  I am completely impressed with the way that David manages to pack so much story, see information, into the issue and yet not once does it feel like it’s rushed or overcrowded.  It takes a fair amount of skill to be able to this the way we see it here.  The character development is sensational and seeing how the characters act and react to the situations and circumstances they encounter help to continually flesh them out.  The pacing here is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way we get pulled deeper and deeper into their lives.

    The way that we see this being structured and how the layers within continue to grow and new ones emerge it creates this tension filled atmosphere that you don’t want to go away.  There is also the way we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow which is spectacular as you get to the last and wonder wait there’s not more today?

    I am really enjoying the interior artwork we see here.  Yes I do wish we’d see more backgrounds being utilised as I do think they add a lot to the moments and fleshing the state of this world.  The composition within the panels is extraordinary which tends to make up for a number of the blank backgrounds.  The linework is really nice and how we see the varying weights being utilised to bring out the detail work that we see superb.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a strong and extremely talented eye for storytelling.  The colour work is beautifully rendered.  I like seeing the various techniques we see in how its being laid down and that photograph on the first page is stunning to me.  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work did so much for the atmosphere of the story.

    For me this marks David’s arrival in a huge way.  This story is sensational and from concept through its execution we’re see the next generation emerge and make his stamp upon the industry.  Everyone involved here is doing amazing work and yes I include the lettereding here as well and just reinforces my belief that Aftershock finds the best and brightest.

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Archie & Friends A Guide to Dating #1

2/15/2021

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Archie & Friends A Guide to Dating #1
Archie Comics 2021
Written by Francis Bonnet & Bill Golliher
Pencilled by Jeff Shultz & Bill Galvan
Inked by Jim Amash, Bob Smith & Ben Galvan
Coloured by Glenn Whitmore
Lettered by Jack Morelli

    Want to learn how to successfully date from the best? Well, maybe successful isn’t the best word… but if you want to learn both the “Do’s” AND “Don’ts” of dating, then you’ve just struck gold!

    I love Archie and the gang!  I also love the fact that Archie as clueless as he is is still the hearts desire of so many young women in Riverdale.  It doesn’t hurt that the world literally revolves around him since his name is the name of the company as well.  That aside he really is the only one among them that likes to go on dates it would seem.  Sure Moose has Midge but they are a couple otherwise it seems the kids at Riverdale and dating aren’t seen all that much.  Regardless what this is is a purely delightful and entertaining book in that famous all-ages fashion we’ve come to know and love.  

    It always amazes me to see how much story we get in such a limited page count with these books.  Each and every one feels like a full length story and it is just so incredibly entertaining.  How the story & plot development we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented perfectly.  As always the character development is spot on, after all these gents know these characters inside and out like the back of their hands.  Doesn’t matter though because each time we see them in a new story it feels like we’re ewing them fresh each time.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing each story we are treated to so much fun and love.

    The way that we see these being structured and how the layers within the story keep going, you don’t have to follow all the books to understand the underlying meanings, is utterly delightful.  How everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow is marvellous.  I adore the fact that regardless of your age or gender you will find different reasons to connect with each story.  It truly represents what all-ages is meant to be and I wholeheartedly admire that.

    The interiors here are beautifully rendered as always.  The linework we see and how it’s varying weights are being utilised to create the details that we see is really stupendous.  Also I am a huge fan of the faces and facial expressions that we see throughout because honestly who knew that the size of the eyes and positioning of the eyebrows could do so much in the ways of characterisation is beyond what I could hope for.  That we see backgrounds utilised as we do is delightful in and of itself and I appreciate how they are able to bring life to the moments we see. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show some really remarkably talented eyes for storytelling.  Also that the inking on top of the pencils make it look like there’s only one person doing it all.  Oh Glenn is a colour master.  He’s able to really show that packed in colour, like they do in tattoos, can be just as effective as ll the ways shading and highlights do.  Plus the way that different greens are utilised for grass, bushes and trees well that just shows us that depth perception and more.
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    Archie is what to read on grey days and when it’s snowy or raining as it tends to immediately brighten up the day.  This is perfect for every single day of the year and this is why Archie and the gang are such beloved icons from yesteryear, today and into the future.

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Grimm Spotlight: The Black Knight vs. Lord of Flies

2/14/2021

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Grimm Spotlight: The Black Knight vs. Lord of Flies
Zenescope Entertainment 2021
Written by Joe Brusha
Illustrated by Vicente Cifuentes
Coloured by Ulises Arreola
Lettered by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios

    The first ever Grimm Fairy Tales character spotlight features the return of Peyton Parks aka the Black Knight in a stand-alone story. She battles the Mysterious Lord of the Flies in fight that introduces her to the madness of Wonderland.  I had to fix the blurb because it was totally off base in what said as Peyton never leaves the city in this issue.

    The introduction here is really something great and it actually makes me want to see a regular cop book with these characters.  Get Greg Rucka and let him write a series about the trials and tribulations of New York’s finest have to deal with the likes of Robyn Hood, Liesel Van Helsing, The Black Knight and more.  Which with Peyton being a lawyer well let’s say it would be nice to see as this background character which could also lead into a series of arcs for her as well.  Also seeing the Lord of Flies was one of those moments you will never forget and that’s what should happen, you see something and your reaction to it should be to want to know more about that.

    I like the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is very well rendered.  Now the character development is interesting because we see a whole lot of that between Peyton and Brin and while I am all for it, it seems that there’s more of this than Peyton actually learning about Wonderland or it’s existence.  To me it feels like a soap opera between the two women with a side of action to showcase and strengthen their friendship.  The pacing is really well done and as it takes us through the pages revealing the story, the characters and the twists & turns along the way it does create an interesting dynamic.

    The way that this is structured is interesting and I do like how the layers within the story emerge and lead us to believe that a new story will be out soon enough.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow is really rather nice to see.

    The interiors here are interesting as well.  The opening feels like a different artists from the main part of the story and I really thought that more realistic approach is what adds to the desire to see them in their own book.  I still think if she’s going to wear armour then there’s no reason to see cleavage, it’s impractical and looks like a lonely fanboy’s fantasy and with Zenescope becoming more grown up this needs fixing.  The linework we see is great and how the varying weights are being utilised to create the detail work we see is really fantastic.  Now I do wish we’d get more backgrounds, when in Peyton’s office to see all that blank space behind them is a tad disappointing.  Still the Lord of Flies is a thing nightmares so kudos on him!  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a nice solid eye for storytelling.  The colour work we see is really exquisite.  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work show a beautiful understanding of how colour works.

    I am completely disappointed that The Black Knight didn’t go to Wonderland or even learn anything about it considering what was promised.  Joe is brilliant with story ideas but as a writer he’s hit or miss and for me this lands somewhere squarely in the middle.  It’s a solid story, great premise but fails to deliver up to the hype also if it is going to be 32 pages that's pretty standard so oversized would be 48+.  Regardless I love seeing Peyton and Brin again and I cannot wait to see them SOON!

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