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READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

Doc Savage: The Ring of Fire #1

3/30/2017

Doc Savage: The Ring of Fire #1
Dynamite Entertainment 2017
Written by David Avallone
Illustrated by Dave Acosta
Coloured by Morgan HIckman
Lettered by Taylor Esposito

   It was a time of unspeakable evil, and a time of incorruptible heroes. The world danced on the precipice of Apocalypse, and into the dawn of a new epoch of wonders. Fascism and Democracy were slowly rising to meet one another in the greatest clash history had ever known. It was the crucible of mankind, and all would be judged. It was an age of dreams, and an age of nightmares. It was the time of DOC SAVAGE.

   Well i am a sucker for the old time heroes that are actually set in their original time periods. What we see here is brilliantly done as what they come up with that is science fiction made reality to us is seen as cute and ancient. It’s really well done and to see how the President uses a device to contact Doc well that’s one of those moments when you get to realise how different has been.   That David can come up with the writing and Dave the visuals to actually convey this kind of awe and newness of these things is amazingly well done!

   The opening for this story is amazing and really gives us a showcase of what Dave Acosta is capable of, along with Morgan HIckman of course. That we are getting this without dialogue or narration is spectacular. It’s a true test to tell the story through just pictures and have the audience understand perfectly what’s happening. I like the way that page layouts are utilised through their angles, perspective and those backgrounds we see. The attention to detail is fantastic and the individuality of the characters is marvelous. Though why Doc doesn’t have bronze skin is beyond me.

   There are two beginnings of this story and I like how we’re seeing them be linked together. Though Doc’s, Clarke, cousin Pat does believe that they are coincidental and trust that I love what David does with her here. Women are often relegated to that back-up, left behind place in stories as the men rush off to danger and it’s nice to see how even back then women were seen differently as they often did their own things regardless of what the men wanted them to do.

   When we see Doc’s crew that’s when the you know the fun is about to start. I mean gadgets, gizmo’s and male bonding at it’s best! That Doc surrounds himself with such a diverse cast of characters and they all have their unique qualities and place on the team is fabulous. You can also see how Doc and his team could be the foundation of how we see modern super teams that are everywhere.

   So with a very modern pulp story at it’s core and a much needed look at the past and how the world used to see and think of things this is a perfect opportunity to get in touch with one the most long lasting and iconic characters in pop culture today!

Jughead The Hunger

3/30/2017

Jughead The Hunger
Archie Comics 2017
Written by Frank Tieri
Illustrated by Michael Walsh
Coloured by Michael Walsh & Dee Cunniffe
Lettered by Jack Morelli

   Jughead Jones has always had an insatiable appetite... but what if his hunger came from a sinister place? When a murderous menace is on the prowl, taking the lives of some of the most well-known and esteemed inhabitants of Riverdale, Jughead and his family's dark legacy comes to light.

   Well for me I was thinking that this would be part of the zombie thing that’s kind of been going on. I mean in Afterlife it did seem that Jughead has something special going on as some kind of lead zombie. Still I suppose anyone with knowledge of horror movies should’ve deduced from the title here what was really going to happen. I will say that Frank weaves a tale here that took me by surprise with the characterisation, plot device and how it all unfolded. I really like how familiar it all feels and yet how disturbingly original it is as well.

   Well this is a welcome addition to the line of Archie Horror books. Personally i’d like to see more takes such as this one come to us in the future. This has the classic kind of old school horror to it that is so appealing and yet it mixes that with the feel of MTV’s Teen Wolf series so that it’s completely modern. Gone are the Buffy days where the thrills were cheap and it was more soap opera than horror. So that we see how certain characters are used here to not only show the antagonist in a light you don’t expect we get the “hero” role in the form of someone that well you’ll see.

   Michael and Dee do some great work on the interiors here. Love the use of page layouts through their angles, perspective and the use of backgrounds.   The close-ups at the right moment to really sell the moment while kind of keeping the killer hidden was a perfect way to open up this issue. Jughead and the Riverdale residents look like they should, they are instantly recognizable and yet have a more modern appearance to them as well which is what I was hoping the current series would feature.

   When dealing with Jughead I love a few facts and that’s among them is penchant for eating. I mean when we first see the gang Jughead is at an all you can eat joint and they are willing to give him a blank check to never come back. Seeing what he’s about to put into his mouth and that he gains nary an ounce well it’s kind of horrific in it’s own right. Still there are aspects of this that capture everything we know and love perfectly and still allow that freedom for Frank to take this someplace else entirely.

   I really do like the tone, mood and feel here and that it combines so many different franchises into it’s story makes me happy as well. The history of the characters involved in the Hunger aspect were delightfully revealed. The way we understand how this changes everything was superbly represented.

   Archie has another stellar story on their hands with this one it’s all it promises to be and so much more!

X-Men Prime #1

3/30/2017

X-Men Prime #1
Marvel Comics 2017
Written by Marc Guggenheim, Greg Pak & Cullen Bunn
Illustrated by Ken Lashley, Ibraim Roberson, Leonard Kirk & Guillermo Ortego
Coloured by Morry Hollowell, Frank D’Armata & Michael Garland
Lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna

   Returning to Earth after a series of adventures with the Guardians of the Galaxy, former X-Man Kitty Pryde discovers that she’s not the only one starting a new chapter. In the aftermath of their war with the Inhumans, the X-Men find themselves out from the threat of extinction and with and uncertain future stretched out before them…

   It’s been a long time since I was a fan of or following the X-Men, the time displaced kids caught my attention when they appeared but have me since lost me. So what was once Marvel’s mightiest book because a myriad of titles that spread the mutants too thin and created such a diverse grouping that wherever you looked you couldn’t NOT see a mutant. Meh too much too often and too convoluted with bad storytelling and really bad artwork. So now it’s time to revamp the franchise, though still too many damn titles for my tastes. So how is this going to bring back readers who left 2 decades ago?

   Not sure that’s what Marvel even cares about but that’s neither here nor there. Storm has been the face of the X-Men for as long as Scott has it seems and it’s time her run at the helm ends. The way this issue goes about that, passing the mantle, with Ororo and Kitty well it’s extremely well thought out and executed. Kitty has been in and out of the X-Men since she was thirteen seen the ups and downs, separated herself from the madness and been on adventures with others, Guardians of the Galaxy, Excalibur etc. So who better to bring back with a new and different, not mention a more mature outlook on the X-Men than she?

   Not only is the writing here incredibly alluring but the art just kills it! Though Kitty looks like her Days of Future Past self when at the diner with Ororo. I like that each segment seems to focus on a different book and aspect of what will be the new X-Verse and all of them have this really nice attention to detail in them. The characters are easily recognisable and identifiable and how in at least one instance a group of supposed loners form a team well that’s conceivable from what this shows us visually.

   The inherent problem with the X-Men these days is there is no real way to streamline them. With children at the mansion attending school and with a cast of a thousand coming and going it’s literally like a revolving door. Unfortunately I do think the kids time traveling has run it’s course and could allow for a new future to emerge where things aren’t as dire as they are now or at least resurrect characters (yes again). While the school will get a new book and we’ll have a myriad of teams for adventures to follow, though no New Mutants among them which as the second generation X-Men really sucks hard, so we can pick and choose which team sounds like the one best suited to our individual personality.

   This book gives you a glimpse at what the future could look like. It’s interesting and well done and shows that while we may not exactly like all of it the future of the X-Verse is going to be strong once again and follow a new path.

Suicide Squad The Banana Splits #1

3/29/2017

Suicide Squad The Banana Splits #1
DC Comics/Hanna-Barbera 2017
Written by Tony Bedard
Penciled by Ben Caldwell
Inked by Mark Morales
Coloured by Jeremy Lawson
Lettered by A Larger World’s Troy ‘N’ Dave

   “SUICIDE SPLITS”! Mistaken for metahumans, thrown in the bowels of Belle Reve, the animal rock band Banana Splits are recruited by Amanda Waller for a secret mission: to save the Suicide Squad! What follows is the weirdest team-up you never thought you’d see! How can Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper and Snorky stand up to Harley, Deadshot, Katana and Croc?

And in the backup feature, Snagglepuss is a Southern gothic playwright working with an ensemble cast of cultural figures, exploring an intensely creative time in the New York City theater scene of the 1950s.

   Utterly effin brilliant that’s my assessment of this book! As a kid who grew up with the Banana Splits and remember them fondly this is kind of a dream come true. Granted Bubblegum pop and the Suicide Squad sound like they go together as well as oil and water but Tony is a man who could literally make any combination work no matter how bizarre sounding it is. Now I want him to do a New Zoo Revue/Titans crossover!

   I’m not usually a big fan of the cartoon artwork I’m more of detail oriented guy but it really does fit the nature of the beast as it were. Though i’m sorry Harley really needs to not look like some awful anime tentacle porn chick. This iteration of her look doesn’t translate well anywhere for me and animated is even worse. I will say too that I adored seeing how the Banana Splits are rendered here from their introduction to their sting at Belle Reve to being outfitted for a mission by Waller all of it is so perfectly on point.

   The way the personalities mix and match as we see how the Squad interacts with those sent to save them is something I never could have dreamed would work so well. Harley and Snorky were actually the best combination this issue and that’s coming from after seeing Bingo and Croc together. If anyone at all remembers the show, which was partly filmed in Cincinnati where I spent time in my childhood, this is a must have collector's item from the sheer fact that it’s a reminder of the past mixed with the present and just gives all the good feels. This is such a bizarre feel good book and this can’t be the end i’d love to see more.

   DC has access to some of the best properties on the planet. That they are now willing to go that extra mile and dust them off and bring back the past and make it current once again is amazing. I cannot recommend this enough it really is something incredibly fun, incredibly silly and perfectly suited for both groups. Plus if this is your introduction to the Banana Splits well sit back relax and enjoy.

Titans Annual #1

3/29/2017

Titans Annual #1
DC Comics 2017
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Minkyu Jung
Coloured by Adriano Lucas
Lettered by Carlos M. Mangual

   I like this for a number of reason but mainly because it’s nice to see the relationship between the characters and their mentos. With one notable exception and that’s Green Arrow and Arsenal and i’m kind of upset that the pair wasn’t included in this. It makes me wonder if they were mentor/protege or not and where they fit into this whole rebirth mishegas as a former team. It’s almost as bad an oversight as having to retroactively fit Cyborg as a founding member of the League in place of Martian Manhunter.

   I love Dan’s writing and that he’s able to give us this look at how the Titans are seen much like they’ve always been, as children and sidekicks, and are too readily discounted in favour of their counterparts being older, wiser and more experienced.   Though let’s be honest here if it really were between Aquaman and Nightwing calling the shots on a mission we all know who would be chosen, and hint it isn’t Aquaman. Still I like seeing the way the two sides see each other and themselves here.

   The one huge problem I have with the issue is that this is the start of a new Who is Donna Troy fiasco. While I love Dan and what he’s doing so far I really don’t want to go down another road to ongoing carousel of the ever changing origin story.   Can we just pick an origin and kind of go with it without all the tweaks and revamps and well nothing from the past is feasible in this new reality so…   I love Donna and i’m glad she’s here but really this might be a first for me with what’s revealed about her.

   Well I’ll also admit i’m not the biggest fan of Minkyu’s work. The way he doesn’t use backgrounds while still trying to showcase angles and perspective make it look really awkward to me. His faces aren’t sharp or in focus enough for me plus they all have this generic interchangeable quality about them that feels wrong.

   I love the use of the Key as the villain we see here. He’s just well known enough that his inclusion makes sense and has been forgotten and unused enough to be fresh and interesting in this light. I’m all for villains like him battling both teams, usually separately, as we saw with Doctor Light it gives them cohesion without all the teaming up. Also that whole revenge against the league by going after the Titans yeah that’ll never grow old so long as it’s done well, and with Dan i’m sure that’ll go smooth as silk.

   The origin reveal aside I do like the interaction between the two teams. I absolutely adore seeing in practical use how the two teams are fundamentally different, one founded on mutual respect and combined strength and the other out of friendship and family. That Dan nails this on the head so eloquently is marvelously done.

   While i’m thrilled the Titans are back and that they are teaming up with their counterparts this left me not thrilled and not bummed. The art a little sub par to what we have been getting and the story interesting enough with future potential in numerous avenues.

James Bond: Felix Leiter #3

3/27/2017

James Bond: Felix Leiter #3
Dynamite Entertainment 2017
Written by James Robinson
Illustrated by Aaron Campbell
Coloured by Salvatore Aiala
Lettered by Simon Bowland

   In the aftermath of a major terrorist attack in Tokyo by an Aum Shinrikyo-like cult, Felix Leiter finds himself unwittingly drawn into the investigation. And under the oversight of Tiger Tanaka—the Japanese James Bond—and with a squad of Tanaka’s elite operatives, Leiter himself helps to bring down the cult’s leader! But now it’s up to Leiter and Tanaka to work desperately against the clock: they must discover the secret of the cultist’s deadly bio-weapon – especially if they’re going to try and avert another terrorist attack!

   With each issue i’m more and more fascinated by what we’re seeing. James does an incredible job with this and showing us that while James may be the standard other countries attempts to emulate him fail miserably by comparison. I mean as much as I like Felix he’s no Bond no American ever could be they would never be given that much power or autonomy. Tiger is kind of out of his depth feeling the pressure of the job and what he’s tasked to do and is as much a cultural thing, honour and duty for example.

   By contrast the villains are the same worldwide. They have these same base emotions, feelings and methodology to them that make them the threats they are seen as. James (Robinson) does this marvelous job in how he portrays all his factions here. I am also very much loving how he’s handling Alena in that so far we’ve only seen her from Felix’s point of view and for all his prowess it seems she’s the one person whom he can equate sex with love so that viewpoint is terribly jaded.

   Aaron is gosh darn talented and his work here is fantastic, suggestive, tasteful and romantic when we see the flashback of Felix and Alena. From the work they are doing to their private moments you almost get the sense that Felix really is romanticising this much more than he should be and that’s largely due to the artwork.   The two page spreads are wonderfully done and the use of page layouts through angles, perspective and background utilisation make reading this easy and joyous. Also there’s just something about the style being used for this story that makes it what it is and it’s hard to put the finger on it but it’s there.

   As we see Tiger struggle with his captives from last issue and Felix trying to control his feelings with Alena and how all the pieces of the puzzle are interlocking things are not going according to plan. Well not according to plan for the reader who keeps get stymied as much as Tiger and Felix are. Then again that’s half the fun here as one surprise after another hits you and leaves you wonder just what is going on here and who’s responsible and what that bigger picture might be! So many questions so few answers but the story is under the skin like an itch you can’t scratch and yet you keep coming back for more.

Jem The Misfits #3

3/26/2017

Jem the Misfits #3
IDW Publishing 2017
Written by Kelly Thompson & Sophie Campbell
Illustrated by Jenn St-Onge
Coloured by M. Victoria Robado
Lettered by Shawn Lee

   Before Blaze was a Misfit she was their biggest fan, but now that she IS a Misfit it's not quite what she expected and may be more than she bargained for.

   Well as the girls continue to bring us the story of these girls i’m more and more impressed and gosh darnit I really don’t want to like Pizazz so much but you can’t help it! The characterisation is utterly spectacular, surprising and both in and out of what we think it should be depending on the person. There are moments that show us exactly who we think they are that are balanced out by seeing a different side of them that makes them more complex and interesting and dare I say likeable!

   So this issue focuses on Blaze and her relationship with the band as well as shows us there’s more to this young woman than meets the eye. So far we’ve seen she’s been one of those hyper loyal fans that bought into the Misfits image and was willing to do pretty much anything to belong. Well the girls have decided to show us that side as well as a different one that softens how we feel about her as well as shows us her commitment and dedication to music that she’s had for many years.

   While i’m all for this showing us another side to the characters there are some that we simply love to hate and in this case it really is the Misfits or more specifically Pizazz. So while i’ll never say stop this ever growing and evolving characterisation of her let’s let her be rip roaring mean too because let’s face it she’s a bitch and will always end up being one regardless. Unless the girls are setting us reader’s up for something huge to come in that continue onward.

   While the all-ages interior artwork wasn’t something I liked about this it has grown on me greatly. I mean yes it’s great for girls, and boys, of all ages to see that you be who you are regardless of what that is. The not coming across Barbie or slutty has it’s advantages for sure and the way page layouts are utilised through the angles and perspective are wonderful to see. I’ll also say the use of backgrounds and the singing is also worked into the pages extremely well and make for some stellar moments.

   I love that this series let’s the characters be mean and yet tempered at the same time. Yeah there’s always more than one version of the truth and depending on who you are is what you see. So that there’s a positivity to seeing how you can be yourself without fear of reproach well that’s a powerful thing.

   Second chances and a new album in the making, could The Misfits be on the right track to a comeback? Time will tell but in the meantime i’m here and not going anywhere.

Dollface #3

3/26/2017

Dollface #3
Action Lab Danger Zone 2017
Written & Illustrated by Dan Mendoza
Coloured by Dan Mendoza & Valentina Pucci
Lettered by Adam Wollet

   So the origin story continues and honestly i’m liking this a lot more than I would have thought possible. Dan does a great job bringing this story to life and being in control of the words and pictures should never go unnoticed or be underrated because everything we see and read is exactly what he wants us to. I admire a man, or woman, who can write and draw so well as to do what we see here. Plus that this is so much fun and such a kooky kind of oddball series and yet it doesn’t go too far off the rails to be overly silly takes a kind of mad skill.

   Ya know I love that the St. Patrick's Day story had me wondering where Ivan was and that this issue actually is where we learn what happens to him so and who or what he becomes. That surprised me and i’m not sure if it was supposed to or not but I love that that fact took me by such complete surprise. It was definitely something I hadn’t seen coming and while i’m going to miss the nerdy guy aspect of him.

   Also that this whole thing takes place as they are telling it to Zombie Tramp on the way to get a book is delightful in keeping in this shared universe. Also that Zombie Tramp is not quite a friend and not quite an adversary but potentially she could go either way yeah that’s part of the fun of what’s going on here. Also it’s a good introduction to the character, Zombie Tramp, if you haven’t read her own series as of yet.

   Technically speaking I may not be the target audience for this book but even with that I totally am as well. With Lila fighting Elva in the kitchen of Elva’s penthouse and Ivan’s idea on how to help that’s comedic genius right there. It’s also all about someone who hasn’t the first clue about real life supernatural forces and is too caught up in the movie versions that it really grabs your attention and makes you laugh out loud! It’s really about the quality of the writing and storytelling that can make anyone a fan of your book if it’s good enough and let me tell ya this certainly is more than good enough.

   I’m also a fan of Dan’s artwork here as well. There’s this cute innocence to what he brings that is at odds with what is happening and I like that duality. So while on it’s surface it appears all-ages it’s really anything but. Plus his eye for storytelling, using page layouts through their angles and perspective are really well done. I’d like more utilisation of backgrounds but i’m that guy who believes they help tell the story more fully.

   If you are looking for something outside the ordinary that’s fun quirky and full of the unexpected than I wholeheartedly suggest you find this series. Have your shoppe order them or find the guys at a convention near you, hopefully, or through your subscription service because we all deserve to laugh and be entertained this way!

Curse Words #3

3/26/2017

Curse Words #3
Image Comics 2017
Written by Charles Soule
Illustrated by Ryan Browne
Coloured by Michael Garland (with Ryan Browne & Michael Parkinson)
Lettered by Chris Crank

   Alright so Wizord has turned his back on Lord Sizzajee and now he’s paying the price, in more ways than one. Back home Ruby is pissed off and we see a little bit of why that is though let’s face it the real reason women feel scorned by men are not things we are privy to. Still she’s hellbent on now serving Lord Sizzajee by killing her former lover and doing everything possible to give herself the advantage to accomplish that.

   The opening here is magnificent in the terms that both Charles and Ryan get to show their storytelling skills in creating something that shows off the present and the past and fuels the fires of revenge. There’s a real excitement and charge to what we see here and while it’s totally eye catching it’s also really got that depth to it that stays with you. Plus even though her eyes are completely white somehow they can still mesmerise with their anger so well done boys!

   Since Cornwall is now dead his domain was left unguarded and open for seizing. Well he’s got a lot of cherubs but seriously what use are they? So after seeing what Sizzajee did last issue he doesn’t have the juice to send Ruby to kill Wizord instead he wants her to turn back the Tigers making a play for Cornwall’s domain. Which is kind of perfect really this gives us a chance to get see more of The Hole World as well see what kind of warrior and woman Ruby has become.

   I have to admit I am a big fan of the way Charles structures his stories. It’s nice to see that Sizzajee is so wrapped up in this that he didn’t think through his actions first. I mean if I wanted someone dead that badly that he’d cast that spell i’d have sent someone to Earth first and instructed them to wait till the spell took root. Instead because of the emotions involved we are where we are and that’s a nice natural reaction. Even if we are dealing with these insanely powerful magic users.

   Also it gives us a chance to see more of Wizord. I don’t think i’m much of a fan of this pity party version but hey a man’s got to reach rock bottom before he can pull himself up and reach for the top again right? Plus with how this issue ends i’m sure he’s going to need all the bluster he can muster for when Ruby comes over.   His familiar Margaret the Koala should have been the first clue though I mean if there was no connection to magic on Earth she’d be just another animal and yet she’s here drinking and talking away. No one thinks of that do they no things have to play out differently which is okay.

   I love this because it’s over the top and all kinds of crazy. That Wizord’s beard is now fake and keeps falling off makes me laugh hysterically and makes me wish he’d ditch it for good, I mean he was a hot daddy type before now he’s even hotter without it.

   I am having so much fun with this series so far it’s a great distraction from real life in so many ways. That it has the ability to pull you into what’s happening and lose yourself in it is it’s own magical ability.

Wynonna Earp Legends #3

3/26/2017

Wynonna Earp Legends #3
IDW Publishing 2017
Written by Beau Smith & Melanie Scrofano
Illustrated by Chris Evenhuis
Coloured by Jay Fotos
Lettered by Robbie Robbins

   Wynonna earp, member of the U.S. Marshal’s Black Badge Division, caught Boone Helm, the most dangerous paranormal alive... and now she’s headed right to that insidious villain’s new home—Black rock Paranormal Prison.

   Here’s a great reason to love this series as a compliment to the show as well as a stand alone entity. It has those elements that are believable in comics but you don’t just don’t have the budget for in television series, I mean using Mount Rushmore as the Prison and Base for the Black Badge Division c’mon how cool is that!?! That really is something you can only pull off in books and major motion pictures with with incredibly large CGI budgets.

   Well i’m totally digging this issue as we get to see a side of Wynonna that isn’t often showed and that is her compassionate side. The girl they are transporting is supposed to be extremely dangerous right but from her point of view reading this file it seems like this is a mistake. So while it goes completely in type for her to question Dolls, his tactics and motives about something or someone that she reaches out to the girl in question and tries to befriend this so-called savage instead of being that angry girl lost well it’s a wonderful change of pace.

   Also I do really like the subtle humour that we get to see here, the KFC, HBC for legal reasons, and the whole mumble discussion over it was fantastic and shows personality in a nice unexpected way. Though let’s be honest who in their right mind likes Coleslaw? Val has some of the best lines in this for sure and I hope these surprises don’t ever stop coming she was on point throughout the entire issue.

   There’s a fine line between keeping these stories a part of the “franchise”, meaning the go hand in hand with the television show, and letting them stand alone but so far that this is a great compliment and potentially something that could be seen as having happened or referenced in the show hasn’t been detrimental in the slightest. It’s just continued to build upon the show and examines the characters, their relationships and helps them grow in ways that are a joy to see.

   Chris’s style of art has really grown on me a lot and he’s using backgrounds incredibly well here and more often which is utterly fantastic in terms of storytelling for me. His eye for using angles and perspective in the page layouts is sharp the effect is well done on the pages. The more classic cartoon style comic art gives him room to explore but still allows for some nice attention to detail at the same time.

   Love how this issue ended and how it’s already shaping up for the next one. Wynonna is a control freak of sorts and when left out of the loop and unable to control people or emotions she reacts like we see here. I love it I think this is what she’s about in a nutshell and I can’t wait to see where y’all take this next!