Blog Archives - READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

Street Fighter x G.I. Joe #2

3/30/2016

Street Fighter x G.I. Joe #2
IDW Publishing/Capcom 2016
Written by Aubrey Sitterson
Illustrated by Emilio Laiso
Coloured by David Garcia Cruz
Lettered by Robbie Robbins

   THE EIGHTH-FINALS CONTINUE! WITH SNAKE EYES REIGNING SUPREME OVER C. VIPER AND RUFUS’ SURPRISING UPSET OVER BARONESS, THE TOURNAMENT ONLY CONTINUED TO OFFER AMAZING OUTCOMES AS HAKAN TOOK DOWN ROADBLOCK... BUT NONE WAS AS UNEXPECTED AS JINX’S VICTORY OVER RYU! WITH M. BISON NOW ENTERING THE FRAY, WHO KNOWS WHAT AWAITS THE NEXT SET OF CONTESTANTS!

   I hadn’t realized how much I had been looking forward to this until I started reading it. Aubrey did such a great job starting this series off the way he did and now with this issue smaller pieces of the puzzle are falling into place but the larger picture still eludes me. I love that because all the while the fighting just keeps introducing the characters but the real story behind it all remains elusive.

   The character development is amazing! Seeing Gung Ho and Guile going at it as only members of different armed forces divisions can started this is off beautifully. I’ve like Gung Ho forever but this spotlight was even better than I could have hoped for. So when that battle was over and gave way to Chun Li’s well hello and goodbye because I couldn’t have seen this coming with a road map. Which we kind of had.

   Aside from this incredible adventure story wise Emilio and David are orchestrating the fights with an equally inspired passion. The attention to detail is fantastic and the way the action flows around the page captures their movements so well it’s like a perfectly choreographed ballet. Even with these characters having the kind of bodies they’ve got there isn’t anything that doesn’t work proportion wise. I can’t get over how freakin awesome how they are bringing Aubrey’s words to life.

   Okay so I do enjoy seeing how the Baroness is still plotting against Destro and trying to keep her people in order. No we aren’t really privy, at least yet, to what’s really going on here but that doesn’t matter all we have to know is that Destro and Bison seem to be in league with one another and that’s going to cause all heck to break loose at some point. Because if everyone there can’t trust them, which would be their natural inclination, and when they play their hand I just envision on Battle Royale like you wouldn’t believe.

   I do like that at the end of this issue we see the beginnings of that possibly happening. Still the way Aubrey’s been telling this with incredible action sequences and hints at drama, betrayal and that larger picture just keep me on the hook and wanting more. There is of course a method to the madness and it’s just solid interesting storytelling. We may live in an immediate gratification world but honestly this is so much better than you could possibly imagine.

Grimm Tales of Terror vol.2 #6

3/30/2016

Grimm Tales of Terror vol.2 #6
Zenescope Entertainment 2015
Written by LaToya Morgan
Illustrated by Eric J
Coloured by Fran Gamboa & J.C. Ruiz
Lettered by Fabio Amelia

   This popular urban legend is retold with twists and turns that will scare you to shreds! When a married man’s young but gorgeous neighbor catches his attention, his entire world is about to be turned upside down. And only his willpower can protect him from the fate that awaits.

   Well I’m not sure exactly what Urban Legend this is but hey who cares go with it. It’s definitely a story worthy of the series and why you should keep your eyes on your spouse and keep it in your pants. I’m still not sure we need Keres in this at all the space she takes up when she opens the issue could be better spent on the story itself. I mean c’mon we know what this series is about and I find her involvement unnecessary at best.

   The setup for the story itself however is nicely done. Though why men have to be portrayed as so wandering is beyond me but it’s all good. Seeing Henry spot the neighbor out by the pool well yeah that’s going to warrant a look. I have to admit though that as the story unfolds and we learn what’s really going on I was more than pleasantly surprised. This didn’t go anyway like I had thought it would and that in itself was amazing to see.

   I love Eric J and his artwork. He’s got such a wonderful style and his realism is one of the things I think is beyond measure in this industry. He needs to more books here since his style really suits everyday people and the way he is able to show emotion on faces makes reading this story so much interesting. Plus his use of pages and panel layouts is so good to keep the story moving along so you can really get a lot from his work.

   The story and the dialogue here are meant to creep you out and in this instance as you read it you begin to question what’s happening and then by the reveal you really are at a state of wait what woah. There’s a page in here that really takes the reader to a place almost unbelieveable as the story culminates at it’s highest point. Wow again this is Eric at his finest. Then the ending well it’s pure Zenescope as you should always be wary of anyone you meet and the consequences of your actions.

   I gotta say this was nearly a perfect one and done.

Independence Day #1

3/30/2016

Independence Day #1
Titan Comics 2016
Written by Victor Gischler
Penciled by Steve Scott
Inked by Rodney Ramos
Coloured by Stefani Renee
Lettered by Rob Steen

   On July 2nd, 1996, a massive spacecraft of extraterrestrial origin entered Earth’s orbit, deploying 36 City Destroyers to annihilate the world’s population. Over the next 48 hours, 108 cities were reduced to ashes, until a united, globally coordinated counterattack took out the alien’s mothership – halting their fourth wave of attacks and eliminating the extraterrestrial threat. Or so we thought... While humanity watched the skies in celebration, beneath the Atlantic Ocean, another catastrophic event now threatens to undermine the entire war effort. An alien vessel - unlike any seen before - has been discovered deep beneath the waves, prompting a topsecret investigation by the US military. Led by Captain Joshua Adams and Dr. Jessica Morgan, this team has established contact with a ballistic missile sub and are on their way to the alien ship’s position...

   In all honesty i’m surprised this hasn’t been mined before but with the new movie it is a perfect time for a story like this. I mean it’s so well suited to the comic book medium what with aliens, the army and all that entails. I think what I really appreciated here is the fact that they didn’t go the obvious route and use the main characters from the first movie and instead decided to use characters that were more secondary in nature. This was great because it really fleshes out those periphery characters and makes their inclusion much more essential and a natural continuation of that original story.

   The interiors are utterly fantastic too. Titan has this knack for finding these great artists and the fact that this book has a great look and feel to it is a testament to that. The characters have a great individuality to them and Captain Adams striking resemblance to the actor is wonderful to see. I’m captivated by their work here and the use of pages and panels keeping the flow of the story going is great. I like the sense of emotion the work gives off, and the subtle way that Adams fear of water is highlighted. It really helps in making this story so bigger than life.

   Now I do very much like that the Submarine Captain, Meredith, is a woman. She’s no-nonsense and a really confident individual and it’s so refreshing to see. More so since there’s really no fanfare or anything regarding it, it just as it should be. I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side that’s for sure but i’m extremely intrigued by her and that’s a huge plus.

   In some aspects you know what’s going to happen, they go to the bottom of the Ocean and enter the alien ship and encounter aliens. That’s pretty much a given I mean how can it go any other way? However knowing what’s going to or should happen doesn’t mean much in the long run because it’s really the way the writer, in this case Victor, tells it. There’s logical progression of the story, wonderful characterization and some nice surprise elements along the way. This isn’t what you’d expect from the franchise and I like that and I can’t wait to see what happens next, especially after the way this issue ends!

   Nice to see that the time is right to explore this scenario more fully.

Lost in Space the Lost Adventures #1

3/29/2016

Lost in Space the Lost Adventures #1
American Gothic Press 2016
Based on the Unproduced Teleplay by Carey Wilber
Adapted & Edited by Holly Interlandi
Illustrated by Kostas Pantoulas
Coloured by Patrick McEvoy
Lettered by Marshall Dillon

   Well I have to admit that I’m only familiar with the series through reruns on MeTV. Yes I had heard of it and it was something more popular with my parents and yes that movie which I think might have been a mistake but the idea behind them remains some of the most iconic throughout literature. That this is adapted from unproduced episodes and would be akin to the next season of the series holds great appeal for me. I think that the comics medium is the best and most logical place to keep this franchise alive.

   For those who aren’t as familiar with the series or the characters have no worries it’s an easy story to follow and as far as introductions go I think this is one of those that actually will garner more interest in the series. I think that this starts off focusing on the boys, sans Dr. Smith, is a great way to get the ball rolling. With not too many people to focus on it allows for great characterization.

   After reading this issue i’m really excited by the promise of what’s to come. I think there’s so much left unexplored in this universe for these characters. The way this unfolds with an unknown species and the trio finding themselves being watched and possibly under attack leaves so much room that we’ve no real idea what’s next. Though the inevitable meeting and confrontation between them but how that goes down should be interesting to see.

   Suspend disbelief, that the worlds they visit all have breathable atmospheres and that they’ve got the robot who doesn’t look far enough advanced for people doing space travel and you can enjoy the mix of kitsch and thrills that made science fiction so popular. Man’s desire to explore the vast unknown of space is a constant in our reading and the species both good and evil encountered test man’s resolve. This may not be the biggest, best or brightest but it certainly has it’s charm.

   The interior artwork here is perfectly suited for this series. With great resemblances to the actors and enough imagination on display to make it so much more than it was. The pages and panel usage are splendid and the flow of the story feels very storyboard for television guidance. This really does hit the mark for me it’s real without being too real.

   The Swiss Family Robinson of space is back and it’s incredibly delightful. This is the kind of book that revives a franchise and expands it in the best of ways.

Man Plus #3

3/29/2016

Man Plus #3
Titan Comics 2016
Created, Written & Illustrated by Andre Lima Araujo
Coloured by Arsia Rozegar
Lettered by Tom Williams

   AS BULLETS AND BOLTS FLY, OLISSIPO’S S.O.F.(SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCE) AND THE CYBERNETIC THREAT CLASH HEAD-TO-HEAD IN A DESPERATE OWNERSHIP ASSAULT. BUT CAN RODRIGO AND CO. SECURE THE RENEGADE ANDROID INTACT AND EXPOSE THE SECRETS BEHIND HER CREATION?

   That this issue threw everything we thought we knew out the window was amazing to me. I am so impressed with the way the story unfolds here and that the explanations as to why this model has acted out and become a focal point from the get go should have been something I saw coming but still took me by storm. It wasn’t until you get kind of a big reveal this issue that somethin else in play that the larger picture emerges and the story takes on a new tone, scope and the implications are massive.

   This is the kind of science fiction story that we love to see. The blending of science, reality, fantasy and fiction play into Andre’s strengths so that we become so involved in what’s happening. It’s also great for me since this is my first exposure to him and his work, these characters and this world that I hope that in some way shape or form that this isn’t going to be the last we see of this team.

   This issue really brought everything together in the best possible of ways. With all the players being in the same place at the same time the action explodes. I really wasn’t expecting it to play out like this but I gotta say after seeing it happen I don’t think it could have gone any other way. The characterization and plot development here is outstandingly well done and I am so into this. I kind of like that it’s really done in concert with technology as the team uses their brains to get where they need to be while the bad guys kind of rely upon it to get away with what they are doing. It’s an interesting look to say the least.

   I’ve been a fan of the artwork all along and this issue is no exception. There’s one page that I couldn’t get over and that was the drop into a building and if you see it you’ll understand. The use of perspective and how the background plays into that is simply stunning.

   I really like that this is an Earth based science fiction based cop story. It’s got all the elements of both woven perfectly together to make a heck of a good story.

Rivers of London Night Witch #1

3/29/2016

Rivers of London: Night Witch #1
Titan Comics 2016
Written by Ben Aaronovitch & Andrew Cartmel
Illustrated by Lee Sullivan
Coloured by Luis Guerrero
Lettered by Rob Steen

   Where there is weirdness, the cruel and unusual with a twist of strangeness, you will find them... PC Peter Grant and his boss, Thomas Nightingale. London’s only wizarding cops, they are tasked with investigating ‘Falcon’ crimes – those with just that hint of the more-than-normal…

   I’m fascinated by this series, there’s a whole thing going on where the police have a department where they deal with supernatural threats. It’s largely considered a joke among the “real” officers but it makes for the best reading. With it being in London you’ve got the whole of Europe at your disposal to pull from. This means so many different mythologies and legends that can be showcased, immigration brings strange bedfellows after all. That these are based off Ben’s novels and are original stories set in between them makes his collaboration with Andrew all the more fun to witness.

   I love the way this issue opens. Not only do we get this incredible scenario unfolding before us but we also get a great sense of something much larger at play. So the introduction of a prisoner who doesn’t want to leave the protection that offers makes Varvara a very complex woman whom I look forward to seeing more of. I was more than a little shocked and amused after the attempt to free her what we saw next. Still it does wonders and it opens up so much in terms of background and the introduction of the current threat.

   I have to say the dialogue and characterization that we get here makes this the kind of stuff that is not only intense, fun but thrilling. You get it all from the seriousness of the supernatural threats to hard personalities of those in either trouble or seeking help to the almost comical irreverence of the cops at times trying for levity instead of losing their cool. Everything has a reason, purpose and place in the writing and it’s so well done that you kind of get lost in it and it envelopes you bringing to a place you wish you could visit.

   I absolutely adored the history lesson we get here today. The way what really happened is woven into what fits for this world and it’s citizens, see witches etc, is so utterly brilliant. It isn’t quite history and it isn’t quite fictional and that prospect appeals to the western mindset when thinking about Russia.

   Lee and Luis do some wonderful work on the interiors here. I love the realistic aspect to the art that keeps them people and not exaggerated. The way the story flows through the pages and panels is greatly done. Plus the history lesson with the ruble is an inspired page. I am enjoying the emotion and feel that the work gives off.

This has the whole package as the level of writing and illustration demonstrate. This is the kind of reading I like to get lost in.

Sons of the Devil #6

3/29/2016

Sons of the Devil #6
Image Comics/OSSM Comics 2015
Created & Written by Brian Buccellato
Illustrated by Toni Infante
Colour Assists by Mado Pena
Lettered by Troy Peteri

   Travis Crowe is a blue-collar mechanic whose rough childhood was spent in Foster Care. He struggles with fear of abandonment and has anger issues until a “chance meeting” leads him to his half sister, Jennifer, and the realization that he has eight siblings…..All fathered by an 80’s cult leader named David Daly.
   Travis doesn’t know it, but David made a deal with the devil to sacrifice his children. And not only is he still alive, but he is determined to finish the devil’s work that started 25 years ago. Unbeknownst to Travis, Jennifer is covertly working with David to assemble all of the siblings for sacrifice.

   This is definitely one of those rare odd books that grabs the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go. A combination of a intrigue thriller with a supernatural horror story as a man tries to find himself and his place in the world as he’s thrust in a scenario he can’t run away from. Brian really gets into these characters and brings them to us in ways that showcase the depth of his writing and how much time and passion he’s put into this. Travis is easily relatable to and his everyman kind of status makes him universally appealing.

   After the opening of this issue i’m more interested than ever to see what the ultimate fate of Travis’ grandfather is. I mean he’s a cop and knows his daughter was in trouble and the last we see of him he’s watching the compound burn. So that the past keeps getting exposed this way and doesn’t reveal a heck of alot keeps the interest level extremely high.

   Knowing what Jennifer is up to has slightly skewed how I see her portrayed from here on out. Is that a good thing or bad I’m not quite sure yet but it does sort of have that effect of wanting to holler at Travis like you would the girl in a horror movie. Still we have to see how she’s going about things so we can watch Travis grow as a person and figure things out. Luckily he won’t alone and what I wasn’t happy about in the first act is addressed in a way that kind of makes up for that.

   With Mel back by his side and his siblings in the picture it’ll be interesting to see just how Travis is going to deal with the s-storm that’s coming. I’m thrilled this is back for the next act and I love the fact that reading this issue brought the entire story back so you don’t go back and re-read it. It’s so good that it just takes a small spark to remind you of everything that’s come before.

   Toni with Mado’s help is killing it on the interiors. I love the style of artwork here it’s that gritty almost colourful noir, in muted tones mind you, that really keep the mystery and tension palpable.

   The weaving of genres with this supernatural characterization makes this a book that you’ll never forget.

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo

3/28/2016

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo
March 18th-20th
ReedPOP 2016

   When I go to a Convention to cover it as a member of the press i’m not there per se to use that to meet anyone or to get exclusives from the guests. I’m there to cover the convention itself and I think that sets me apart. These days there are a lot of folks who will focus their attention on things like cosplayers, panels or media guests and while I’ll do that too I like to go a bit deeper. So after i’ve had a week to sit back and go over my experience let’s talk about this conventions experience.

   I love to get a feel for a convention before it’s open to the general public unfortunately that wasn’t available to me. I was a great opportunity to meet people though while waiting in line. I will say though that once the floor opened and I got a chance to wander around amidst the crowd I thought wow the setup here is pretty amazing. The aisles are nicely spaced to allow for the inevitable stoppage of people as they are walking and taking notice of the booths around them.
   If you look at the way the space was used they really thought about their guests and what would be best of them. There was ample space here perfect to still grow, which it should and that would be amazing but i’ll touch on that later, while still allowing us to hit areas that as a guest you want to be at without having to worry about anything else. The place of the Autographing and photo op area for the celebrities wasn’t conflicting with any booths or artists tables. The artist alley is a dream come true, much like the New York show. All in all it’s so easy to find what you are looking for and to experience things you weren’t expecting to at the same time.

Artist Alley really was just an experience. The sheer number of people currently working in the industry is a huge draw. I didn’t see many of those people who you look at and know have never done any work for a company before and wonder why they don’t get busted for copyright infringement. Plus it’s so nice to see such big names involved in meeting their fans and being honest and appreciative of the gushing fans do. Also the way it was setup allowed me to meet people I wasn’t familiar with but was definitely excited by.

   I was disappointed in the fact that DC didn’t have a presence, yes I understand they were gearing up for Wonder Con but that’s no excuse to me. A convention of this size and magnitude specially where it’s situated should have a stronger company presence including Dynamite, Boom! And Image Comics. This is the biggest show outside a coast and that these companies weren’t there was a disservice to the fans. On the plus side Marvel rocked it and with a lot of smaller press companies there showcasing their books, having signings with creators had incredible opportunities to garner new fans. So thanks C2E2 for keeping the support of the smaller guys going strong and allowing them to shine the way they did.

   I love to ask questions of the people working there. This goes a long way to showing the care and thought put into those that run a show. The staff were exceptional! No one got bothered by being asked where something was or for advice on the area or even transit. They were kind courteous and knowledgeable. Kudos for this kind of care and attention put into getting them ready for what felt like huge numbers of fans.

   Panels were handled great and again the staff was on there to guide, help and keep things moving in an orderly fashion. That the panels section was away from the floor again helped the flow of people moving around and utilizing the convention space this way was impressive.

   I cannot find anything negative to say about ReedPOP or the show they put on. This really was my second favourite show to attend, after ironically NYCC. With shows like Motor City hot on it’s heels this is why the midwest region flocks to this show and people travel 5+ hours to get here because it’s one of the biggest and best shows all around.

The Gingerdead Man #2

3/28/2016

The Gingerdead Man #2
Action Lab Danger Zone 2016
Written by Brockton McKinney
Illustrated by Sergio Rios
Coloured by Marcelo Costa
Lettered by Dave Dwonch

   Upon his execution, the world thought they’d seen the last of convicted murderer Millard Findlemeyer. But his mother’s black magic and a vat of cookie dough changed all that when the Gingerdead Man was born!

   Oh my goodness I am pleased as punch that Action Lab Danger Zone has gotten the rights to do this. Granted i’m not familiar with the movie this comes from but I have to say that Brockton has managed to make this entertaining, engaging, funny as hell and still able to keep a sense of tension and horror that comes with cult classics.

   I’m digging the characterization here and the cast of characters that have been assembled. Young Billy for instance opens this issue watching one of those horror movies we all know and love where a killer comes after girls who are topless and shall we just say loose while his sister and guardian is talking to the police about the sounds coming from the abandoned storefront next door. The irreverent kind of humour this takes and how it’s pulled off really speaks to me of Brockton’s talent as a storyteller. Kayla has a role to play though if it’s heroine or survivor I’m not sure and that I haven’t figured it out yet makes me happy because that means the story isn’t predictable.

   That kind of adult humour continues on throughout the story and it’s genius. When the Gingerdead Man is found by the cops, you knew that would happen, it’s some of the funniest stuff that’s happened. I mean after last issue and we saw what ingredients were used to bring him back there really shouldn’t be a surprise as to the sequence of events that unfold. Still how it all plays out and comes to life for us through the story and Sergio and Marcelo’s artwork really makes this as special as it is.

   If there was any doubt that this wasn’t for kids, aside from the Danger Zone label and the horror aspect, the whole time that poor cop has to deal with what he does yeah that’s the kind of stuff that will either make or break a book and in this case it really makes it stronger!

   Once the remaining members of the gang get back yeah that’s what we’ve been waiting for, okay what i’ve been waiting for. You can’t imagine how happy it makes me that we’ll see what the result of their return is next issue. I’m crazy interesting to see what is going to happen next because it just all has that element of surprise that leaves you shivering in anticipation. Seriously this is stupid good in ways you cannot even begin to fathom.

   Plus the last page of the story showcases imagination and creativity that is worthy of seeing in baking competitions on the Food Network if it were meant to make you poop jujubes.

   Y’all need to get on board with what’s happening here because you’ll be thrilled, amazed and just tingly all over.

Frankenstein Storm Surge #6

3/28/2016

Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein: Storm Surge #6
Dynamite Entertainment 2015
Written by Rik Hoskin
From an Original Story by Dean Koontz
Illustrated by Andres Ponce
Coloured by Mohan
Lettered by Bill Tortolini

   For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Frankenstein novels that Koontz has done I do recommend you read them because they really are very good, solid, interesting reading. That this is from an original story by Koontz told by Rik makes me excited for the future of Deucalion and Erika. Sometimes an author writes a book, or series of, that captures a unique character capable of things you wouldn’t expect and for me this is one of them. Widely known for his Odd Thomas series I think this one is perfectly suited to be told like this.

   This arc has been a wonderful introduction to this world and these creations of Victor Frankenstein and the man himself. That this is a modern day take on a classic story is perfectly done using today’s science. There’s a much more plausible explanation as to how Victor is able to create not only Deucalion but Erika 5 as well that keeps the science fiction aspect current and the horrific implications of such actions by a man bent on thinking the way he does as gripping as humanly possible.

   That this is able to harken back to it’s source material and yet still remain as fresh and new as if it were the first time you were seeing this is one of the hardest things to accomplish. That both Dean and Rik are able to take these characters and do that should be applauded. Not only has this arc thrown in all that but hell they managed to get zombies into the story without it feeling contrite. I mean hello the way they were woven into the story and how all the people of New Orleans were used from issue one through six really just made sense.

   Andres and Mohan do some incredible work on the interiors. I love the way this flows from page to page through the panels. Erika just seems to have this same look about her throughout and it really lends credence to her being created. The zombies are great and there are moments when the dead stand out in ways that make it so you can’t look away. There’s an evil in the way they showcase Victor that oozes off the page and it’s almost terrifying. Deucalion is interesting and I can’t wait to see what they do with him next because he deserves a larger showcase story.

   This isn’t your regular monster story and that’s a huge reason to read this. A modern twist on a classic that will leave wondering what else is possible.