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​Reviews for 19-01-21 Reviews for 18-01-21 Reviews for 17-01-21
​Reviews for 16-01-21 Reviews for 15-01-21 Reviews for 14-01-21
​Reviews for 12-01-21 Reviews for 11-01-21 Reviews for 10-01-21
​Reviews for 09-01-21 Reviews for 08-01-21 Reviews for 07-01-21
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Dissonance #2

3/26/2018

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Dissonance #02
Top Cow Productions/Image Comics 2018
Written by Singgih Nugroho & Ryan Cady
Illustrated by Sami Basri
Coloured by Sunny Gho
Lettered by Jaka Ady


     Roisia aggressively tries to confirm her position in the Rex Mundi without knowing that her brother has been keeping a secret about their parents’ past that could change everything. On the other hand, Seraphim begins to question its purpose after realizing what humanity has become.

     I am not sure if it’s ironic or not but I do like how the opening speaks to how one can effectively use information or lack thereof to keep the world from knowing the truth. Ya know being vague and not giving out details (sound familiar #45) and keeping something big in the background so conspiracy theorists and the like can pontificate to their hearts content making the real version so much as noise. The whole opening speaks to me in ways I hadn’t anticipated but like it even the metaphor for whomever you choose at the time being (people of colour, homosexuals etc) and replace them with this new version humanity.

     I like how the book flows while the transitions may leave a little to be desired it still has this whole vibe that allows us to overlook that. I am kind of impressed with the fact that there are three possibly branching into four different storylines going on that will have to end weaving into one or at have the streams cross here and there. All of them are also essential to the story and how things are going to keep unfolding and that too is something that I appreciate. So the way this is structured and how it’s readable is done well.

     So the siblings arc is going to end badly for them. It doesn’t take a genius to see how divided they are and have been their entire lives. She sees him as weak and herself as strong and honestly I think that’s backwards because it doesn’t take strength to kill someone (and thoroughly enjoy it) it takes strength not to kill someone and then listen to what they have to say which can be used to your own advantage later. His mind and his business sense make him strong, her anger keeps her weak so her loyalty is misguided. I do love that this is how I see things and whether or not that’s the case remains to be seen.

     I really do like the interiors here and I'm not entirely sure if this is digitally done or not but the overwhelming sense of manga or anime is extremely high to me. Don’t get me wrong it’s no Area 88 and it has a much Western influence and the merging of them is extremely well done. The sibling eyes, their hair and overall faces just leave this huge impact on me. The creativity and imagination in creating all these alien creatures is exquisitely done. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a strong eye for storytelling. The only thing I would like to see more of are backgrounds I think they are underutilised and that’s a shame.

     Seraphim is amazing and I love him already and his investigations into Earth and it’s culture is bearing the fruit that will change his life forever. Though he knows that Ghaergos, the spirit of forbidden knowledge (hmm garden of eden much) is free on this pane he goes about things his way. Whether or not this will play into something larger later who knows but Ghaergos is a dangerous individual from what we are led to believe. Still how he has already changed and how he’ll change further is something I look forward to.
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     There is so much potential here and things are only getting started so the ride is about to get a whole lot bumpier. Creative, relevant and not to mention eerily fascinating this is how a whole new generation of storytellers are emerging.   

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Punks Not Dead #2

3/26/2018

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Punks Not Dead #2
Black Crown/IDW Publishing 2018
Written by David Barnett
Illustrated by Martin Simmonds
Flats by Dee Cunniffe
Lettered by Aditya Bidikar


     The ghost of dead punk rocker Sid is unlocking some pretty strange abilities in teenage geek Fergie, giving him a taste of power that he never imagined. But will he use it to clean his room, alter the solar system… or pick up girls? Meanwhile, MI5's irascible baller Dorothy Culpepper, and her nervous, new recruit, are drawn to the Extra-Usual Affairs involving a scandalous haunting in Whitechapel.

     This is definitely one of those books where you forget just how darn good it is until you are reading it again. With the sheer number of comics hitting stands these days it’s only natural for this to occur nowadays and fortunately when you see the title and realise holy crap the ghost of Sid Vicious yeah that’s right and then get all excited to read it. That is what you want to feel, the excitement of what is about to happen. Honestly that is exactly what this does for me, I get excited by just seeing the cover.

     David has a great sense of how a book should be structured. The ebb & flow of what we see here is extremely well done and that everyone already thought that Fergie was already a crazy loser before he started taking out loud to a ghost well let’s just say it keeps him seen that way even more. Then again that’s more characterisation but it is kind of important to the story as a whole as well. Last issue Fergie took care of the bully without laying a finger on him and instead used some kind of magic or power that is locked inside him. I’m beginning to think this is why he was not only able to see Sid but take him with him. So while Fergie may have no clue that doesn’t mean our dead punk rocker is in the dark.

     So right now the fact that Dorothy is taking her new recruit on a run so he can finally realise what it is he’s actually in store for well that’s nicely done as well. I like this crotchety old woman and warped sense of humour she is like the grandma you always wanted, well you had one like her. Also that this is how we are going to tie in Fergie and placing him on the radar more fully yeah David is connecting the dots here in a smart and interesting way. While we knew the wires would cross eventually we didn’t know how and the way we see it start here that’s how ingenuity works.

     Martin and Dee do some interesting work here but if I make a suggestion I don’t the solid backgrounds should be so close in colour to the clothing as the linework can be thin and the colours too matchy matchy when I don’t they are supposed to be. Otherwise I really am kind of more impressed by the varying weights of the linework and how subtle, impactful and bold they can seem which of course adds a nice dimension at times. The utilisation of page layouts so we get to see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a nice eye for storytelling. Backgrounds people, backgrounds they are so important to not only expanding the story but the town could be a character of it’s own or at least a sense of life aside from these characters. Like inside the store it starts off great then fades into blobs of colour to represent what was there. That is a cheap way to get out of continuing what was started.
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     The two part ending here, what Sid gets Fergie to do and the ramifications felt throughout certain aspect of the country well it just gets me so excited to see what’s going to happen next! Punk will never die not so long as folks keep making books like this and we listen to the albums and soundtrack in our heads from this experience. Creative, interesting and totally unexpected this is why comics are so much damn fun.

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Death of Love #2

3/26/2018

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Death of Love #2
Image Comics 2018
Written by Justin Jordan
Illustrated by Donal Delay
Coloured by Omar Estevez
Lettered by Rachel Deering


     Philo has found love. Well, he’s found the Cupidae, anyway. And he’s decided to interrogate one. This goes exactly as well as you’d expect, so now ALL the Cupidae are coming for him, with thousands and thousands of tiny arrows.

     Last issue Philo and some guys at the bar were approached and given a drug that promised to find them love. Oh it let’s Philo love alright in the form of the Cupidae where in the bathroom one is currently ready to kill him. Surviving this encounter however sets him on a spiral downward as he is determined to get to the bottom of why that even happened. I have to give major props to Justin because at first I was tentative about premise and thought it would be way too comedic horror type of stuff. Then after last issue I thought it might end up being too much a straight comedy though I should never really doubt Justin and what his plans are I found myself completely into this.

     The dialogue that we see here and mainly between best friends and the genuine concern that he took unknown drugs from some guy at a bar and then hallucinating the whole Cupidae encounter as part of trip. I liked that his flatmate at least was really concerned about the drug angle because to me that kind of response is the sign of true friendship. The Cupidae thing well that’s going to take a lot more convincing and that means taking another pill and heading out there to see if it was a one time deal or do they make him see them?

     The way that this book is structured is fantastic! I really like the whole ebb & flow of the story and how we get to see things. Let’s face it Philo isn’t exactly a modern man he still has this problem thinking what he wants is what he deserves and he certainly doesn’t think of anyone but himself. So learning that he’s destined to be alone, without love, he wants to know why. He’ll never understand the reasons but that’s not going to stop him from trying to find out and it’s that kind single minded determination that gets him in trouble. Me me me that’s what he’s all about and it’s why he’s all alone.

     There is something about the artwork that is really endearing. I mean Philo looks like an exaggerated Jay Leno but then the Cupidea that can go from anger to adorable really make a statement. Donal has made this somewhere between exaggerated and classic and has done it in a way that works extremely well here. The utilisation of page layouts so we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a solid eye for storytelling. The backgrounds we see in use here really work well to expand the moment and the story and bring the right mood to what we see.

      What started out as this weird introspective look at a man desperate to feel love is quickly turning into an obsession to find the Cupidea that in return is going to become the fight of his life to survive. Could Philo have inadvertently saved his friends by distancing them? I’m not sure if that’ll be case or if they will show up and help him with his current problem.
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     Love hurts, love bites, love bleeds (it's bringing me to my knees) in this case all too literally and it’s about damn time someone got their comeuppance. 

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Mata Hari #2

3/25/2018

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Mata Hari #2
Dark Horse Comics/Berger Books 2018
Written by Emma Beeby
Illustrated by Ariela Kristantina
Coloured by Pat Masioni
Lettered by Sal Cipriano


     In the late 19th century, a woman was defined by the men in her life. From her bankrupt father to a lecherous headmaster, Margaretha Zelle was never destined to enter high society. This notorious woman who found fame and fortune as an exotic dancer is now imprisoned as a spy, being questioned by a French military interrogator, a man determined to get her confession. But battling the wills of the men who would try to control her is nothing new to the woman who became Mata Hari . . .

     I am enthralled and enchanted by this book and how it’s taking the life of the most famous female spy in history and bringing it to life. Emma’s structure of the book is divine and seeing the past and present interchangeably is fascinating as what we see applies to how the story flows. Also as interesting as seeing her life unfold for us in these pages the approach of expanding the story to include Captain Bouchardon and what he has to go through for his conviction well it’s fantastic and starts to explain his actions when Margaretha was taken to be executed.

     Ladoux is another interesting character added to the mix and his familiarity with Bouchardon is unsettling to the man. Also the conversation the two have in his office well that is something else altogether. I am in love with Emma’s ability to weave the different threads all together to create this one cohesive story so seamlessly. Forget anyone else really it’s the parallel lives of Mata Hari and Captain Bouchardon that are making this as captivating as possible. With the characterisation and the time the two will spend together and this confession takes us through the entirety of her life well I look forward to seeing how things change.

     I don’t think there’s another artist currently working that could bring this life as well as Ariela. Her knowledge and execution of the female form so as to make it s beautiful and sexy as we see things without going the whole over exaggerated route but to show it honestly without embellishment is superbly done. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angels and perspective in the panels shows off a beautiful eye for storytelling. The backgrounds in play here expand the moments in time and give us a wonderful look into what we need to see to enhance the story. The delicate linework to the bold strokes here are so well done and with the attention to detail we are transported to the past completely and fully.

     Life back then was so much different than it is today and there is no way you can rightfully impose today’s standards and morals into the past. To do so makes one small minded and incapable of true empathy for a woman who’s options were limited and defined by her status there is little one can do without being a proper lady. So that takes matters into her own hands and finds herself a husband through the most unlikely of circumstances is in my opinion admirable. Though we know that will end well and her fate still looms what we see of her even at a young age is setting the groundwork for the woman she’ll become.
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     The simple grace and beauty that we see on these pages makes for some stunning reading. The attention to detail in not only the artwork but the writing through both subtlety and boldness is so well balanced that not a tight rope walker could navigate it is why this is already among the greatest stories ever told. Should the remaining three issues be of this calibre of course.  

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Deathbed #2

3/25/2018

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Deathbed #2
Vertigo Comics 2018
Written by Joshua Williamson
Illustrated by Riley Rossmo
Coloured by Ivan Plascencia
Lettered by Deron Bennett


Dearest Friends,

     It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Margaret Mars, philanthropist, globetrotter and onetime lover of Antonio Luna. Her noble pursuit of humanitarian causes dates back to the first word she ever spoke (“Peace”), which is juxtaposed with the seven words she uttered right before being assassinated (“Who let these ninjas into my house?!”). Indeed, these seven words paint an inexplicably bizarre, yet accurate, picture of her final moments on earth. Who let these ninjas into her house, and why were they there to begin with? What business did a pack of inhuman zombie-mummy-ninjas have with Ms. Mars, and why did they murder her? Fascinating questions, none of which we have the answers to. But Ms. Mars would not want us to grieve! Ms. Mars’ will states her desire that we celebrate her life and not mourn her death (as horrific and gruesome as it may have been)! So come! Be merry and help us send off the great Maggie Mars in a way that honours her remarkable life!

     Just be sure not to invite Antonio Luna.


     As Val gets her first taste of Paris it is nothing like she was expecting it to be. That is how we open up the issue as she’s with Luna and things are still utterly crazy. I think this is the most fun I have had with something so off the wall interesting in a long time. I mean I have no idea what’s really going on here and to be perfectly honest I really don’t care. All I know is somehow, some way Luna got Val to travel the world with him as those who were close to Luna (family, friends and even enemies) are being killed and they always seem to be one step behind.

     Joshua’s ability to tell a story is amazing to me because there is something completely special about this book. It is a far cry from normal which for me is always a bonus and the unique spotlight on our main characters well that just makes this all the more fun. I mean let’s face it isn’t that often that folks getting up there in years are the stars of a story about gallivanting across the world like this. Add in to this the characterisation and you’ve really gone overboard because as egotistical and self-centred as he is Val is level headed and has the right mix of charm and sensibility. While making them look like an old married couple and like magic the whole damn thing works.

     Good god is Riley one of the best illustrators in the business and this just shows why. His style is unique, captivating and breathtaking all the same time. The work here is damn near flawlessly perfect and the moment we see Maggie Mars well I dare you to tell me differently. Should take note that Ivan’s colours here make this as complete as it is and I have not seen anyone do more justice to his work than he. The utilisation of page layouts and how that allows us to see the angles and perspective in the panels shows of a masters eye for storytelling. Backgrounds are never ignored and expand each moment beautifully.

     Being with Luna is like being swept up in a twister and ending up in some bizarre version of earthly wonderland. There are lost loves, fights and mad dashes through the streets with reckless abandon. So what’s not to love about all that? Nothing that’s what this is why the Vertigo line needs to be here at this point and time in the universe so that these guys can tell a story like this.
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     Masterfully written and illustrated this is the type of book that you get lost in and feel like YOU went down the rabbit hole.  

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Musketeers #2

3/25/2018

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The Musketeers #2
Zenescope Entertainment 2018
Written by Terry Kavanagh
Illustrated by Daniel Maine
Coloured by Bryan Valenza
Lettered by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios


    As we learn more about Diego, and what makes him the man he is today, the Musketeers discover what they're seeking-- along with the ugly truth about Merlin and the city leader they're working with. But not all of the Musketeers are on the same page about what this means. Is this the end for the Musketeers already?

     Wow it’s only issue two and Terry is managing not only to get the story underway with earnest but he’s also giving us some incredibly good characterisation and mystery as well. Aside from the huge reveal in the first issue and how we see things progress in this one it’s very clear to me that you cannot take anything at face value and trying to guess what’s gonna happen next is fruitless because you’ll never be able to accurately guess.

     I really like the way the book is structured as Terry manages to create a great ebb & flow throughout the pages. It reads extremely well and while we know what machinations are happening with the characters on all sides they do not and that is where some terrific tension comes into play. The use of narration boxes allows Terry to really let us get into that specific characters head and add that extra oomph of characterisation to flesh them out even more.

     The banter between the three of them is nice as it shows us the level of familiarity between them even with the whole love triangle thing going on behind the scenes. Though that may become moot since Diego’s power set has a side effect, that being he’s impervious to feelings. Which of course opens up different avenues for the sub-plots within the larger ones. That is another aspect of this book that I am pretty impressed with the way the story is layered so that not only does it have that vigilante aspect but almost a Dynasty one as well. This layering effect just heightens the interest factor enough that it becomes almost irresistible to put down.

     Daniel and Bryan do some utterly wow work here. I mean the whole look, tone and feel of this series is amazing to see as the attention to detail in ever aspect of the work. I love the superhero feel of what they do and how it manages to incorporate so many different things, the Mission Impossible scene was pretty flawlessly executed. Though honestly Diego does need a new look that seems more Musketeer in nature. The utilisation of page layouts so we see the different angles and perspective in the panels shows an extremely good eye for storytelling. Might I also mention the use of backgrounds here that are just as detailed as everything else making the story expand nicely.

     So as the story progresses and the team starts doing things on their own through both manipulation and well let’s say their nature causing us to really see them for who they are. The level of storytelling and characterisation here is extremely impressive as they work together to advance the story and plot development. The fact that there are so many different things happening at once is actually what ultimately keeps the reader coming back. If it weren’t so well done we wouldn’t want to come back so really kudos to Terry for the absolutely incredible job he’s doing here.
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     The anti-hero or vigilante aspect of the book or just they are being duped into being villains makes for a great concept. That the Book of Fables is what gave them their gifts just cements their place in the Zenescope Universe. This is the kind of comic that we want to read!

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Kick-Ass #2

3/24/2018

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Kick-Ass #2
Image Comics 2018
Written by Mark Millar
Pencilled by John Romita Jr
Inked & Coloured by Peter Steigerwald
Lettered by John Workman
Ink Assists by Megan Madrigal
Colour Assists by Beth Sotelo


     Patience returns from combat to find her husband gone and her neighbourhood in ruin. By day, she waits tables and goes to college. By night, she pulls on a mask and becomes Kick-Ass—serving justice to local scumbags and taking a cut of their cash. With every bust, her list of enemies gets longer, and the city's worst criminals are out for her blood.

     Well when we left the first issue Patience was in the process of taking on a man, his goons and his money and that’s where we pick up here. I like this for various reasons but mainly among them is that it has that sense of timing that we can relate more. If we’d opened up with her having succeeded and not knowing how or why I think it would’ve cheapened things. As it stands it’s pretty essential to the storytelling and her characterisation that we start right where the last issue left off.

     I am really enjoying the way that Mark has structured the book and how his ebb & flow through every instance has this whole sense of movement and the time frames all coincide. This is as much a slice of life style of storytelling as it is a case of a woman on a mission. It really is a very nice way to tell the story and honestly it has be harder than it looks from a readers standpoint. I mean very rarely do we get this feeling of following someone’s life so closely and intensely. Which of course also ties into the characterisation that we see and again I think while this may be a sequel it ends up being a lot more stand alone and unique than you might assume.

     There is one scene that stands out above the rest this issue and that’s her meeting that young boy. While there are times Mark pulls on the heartstrings rather effectively as he shows Patience reasoning with herself about her choices it’s that young boy that really kind of steals the show and helps to start define who she is when she’s in that costume. Also that have been introduced to various people in her life we haven’t really met a supporting cast, sure her mother watches the kids and she’s got plenty of family around but there is no one that comes close to that supporting character role she can turn to.

     The interiors here are rather interesting because while we see John laying out the pencils and using is long time eye for storytelling in the utilisation of page layouts plus how we see the angles and perspective in the panels. However there is a team behind him that is spectacular and I don’t want to say clean up the work but they make distinctly recognisable and yet much more appealing than some other of his recent work. Overall everyone involved in this has effectively made it smooth as silk, full of emotion and feeling and very much something to enjoy the heck out of.

     I like that we seem to be seeing a kind of transformation in Patience already. The way the story is as much character driven as it is story driven is done as only Mark can do it. There is little to differentiate between the two either and that we are able to be this fully immersed in her life so quickly and understand the what, how and why she’s doing this makes things more complicated yet interesting. I mean let’s face it robbing from the bad guys and then justifying it like she does well I mean is that morally right, wrong or just what it needs to be?
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     Kick-Ass is back and quite honestly it may be better than it’s ever been.

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Chelsea Dagger Vol.1

3/24/2018

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Chelsea Dagger Vol.1
Apropos of Nothing Studios 2018
Created, Written, Pencilled & Cover Painted by Mark Sparacio
Interior Digital Paints by Chris Summers
Lettered & Edit Assists by Marshall Dillon


     Chelsea Dagger, a story about the War on Terror, has been researched for almost three years and is based on facts and real events that have happened across the world. In response to wanton acts of terrorism, death and destruction in many countries, a Global Anti-Terrorism Task Force has been established to deal with these threats. The Task Force code-named Excalibur, after King Arthur's legendary sword, is headed by Director X. The field agents of Excalibur are all deadly, highly skilled, combat trained women representing nations who are fighting the war on terror.

     I am fan of the premise behind the book a group which is formed by women to fight the war on terror is a nice angle to take. In most countries where extreme terrorist factions arise from women are discounted and thought to be less than nothing in the grand scheme of things so by being “undercover” in these regions allows for them to do what men cannot which is get close to them without them realising it’s happening. Plus there’s the added bonus that they get to do some kick-ass women who happen to be Miss Universe calibre in their beauty.

     Mark does a pretty good job here with how the book is structured. He quite adeptly takes us on a journey here that kind of starts in the middle and it’s a good way to go. The opening which takes place much further in the past, 1099 AD to be precise, in the newly formed Kingdom of Jerusalem where a Templar Knight leaves the company of some Arab Muslims who seem to indicate the birth of radicalised religion. Prophetic in nature, of course it is and it’s a great idea for how things would, could and might have begun. Also it’s great in that it’s eye catching and grabs the readers attention so they want to read further.

     As the story moves forward and we see the modern day acts of terror that has the world on the edge of their seats trying to find blame when someone should be doing something about it is a stark look at how the modern world works. Instead of being aggressive they bicker back and forth trying to find blame when in reality it lies at their feet for not trying to root out it’s source and eliminate it. That however is where Excalibur comes in and once Director X has seen enough it’s time to rally the troops and get this party started.

     I love the cameos by real people in this, Anderson Cooper and Nancy Palozi, not to mention Peter Kingsman whom I have no clue as to who is, are well rendered and dead on their real life counterparts. The utilisation of page layouts here and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a strong solid eye for storytelling. The features of different peoples comes to life extremely well and there are some ugly folks here due to angles the features on some faces look odd but that comes with the realism of being in that particular frame. I wish there were more backgrounds in use instead of relying solely upon the main focal points but I say that a lot these days and with this much attention to detail and how realistic it all looks time is a factor.

     The characterisation here is really rather impressive. It is one thing to think of what is going on in someone’s head and another to find a way to channel an extremist and make it come across as authentic as any top profiler could without destroying your own sensibility. The on the flip side of that creating characters to add humour and lighten the mood is so perfectly done to balance it all out.  Also that there is time made so that we get an in-depth look into Chelsea's background through flashbacks gives you a look at why she's not only the team leader but why's she's uniquely qualified to be in the field.  

     While the action at times can feel G.I. Joe unrealistic let’s not forget this isn’t a “based on true events” in the manner in which the women work. This is for both education and entertainment and what we see while having that air of authenticity to it is also fictional. Though the use of gadgets and such that we see shows a distinct knowledge and look at what the military uses and takes before the public gets a version. Let’s face it that happens all the time and the general populace has no idea.
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     With it’s real life locations and the intense look at extreme terrorist violence and the response to that make this a fantastic story to read. Well researched with some great writing, story & plot development and top notch characterisation all wrapped up in some stunningly beautiful artwork Chelsea Dagger is more than a graphic novel it’s the it’s the historical fiction thriller we’ve been waiting for!


     This is currently having a kickstarter to fully fund the book and if this sounds like it’s something you want to read then pledge today and assure your own copy. Trust me Dan Brown, David Balducci and Tom Clancy are officially on notice. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chelseadagger/chelsea-dagger



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A Light Before the Darkness #1

3/23/2018

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A Light Before the Darkness #1
Bella Fe Media 2015
Story, Screenplay & Graphic Adaptation by Ken Mora
Pencilled by Cyrus Mesarcia
Inked by Bhakta Ranjan Behera at Beezzz Studios
Lettered & VFX by Ken Mora


      The artist known as Caravaggio must flee Milan to escape a vendetta before The Inquisition exposes his secret lover.

     Here is one of the perks of being a reviewer and that’s having someone want you to review their book or a book they produce that you’ve never heard of before. Now I don’t know about you I love historical stories, the plethora of them throughout the cable channels should reaffirm that I am not alone in this. So if you know your art history you’ll who Carvaggio is for those that don’t it’s Michealangelo Merisi so the story is of some significance. Unlike Classics Illustrated however this takes a look that at his life without watering it down or covering up the truth like the “conservative Christian crowd” would prefer.

     The story opens up in Milan, Italy 1591 where there is to be a public burning of a man convicted of sodomy. Alejandro Corto is being burned at the stake and a young man is there to do him a kindness that’s not what you’d expect. It is probably the perfect way to open this story all things considered it is dramatic, telling and reminds the reader of how life was back when the Church ruled with an iron fist. Man created the Church and it’s rules so those in power could prosper and that is historical fact as many of them used teenage boys as lovers in private bath houses. So to see so violent an opening to a story such as this is powerful, captures the attention and makes the reader wish to continue.

     The way this is structured is extremely well done. The way that characters are introduced and the reasoning behind what they do it’s all laid out for us in this wonderfully natural way. Seeing so many sides of the man child as we do in succession is fantastic! It makes me believe that life is hard in this era and that the romanticised version of history that many adhere to just wasn’t the case. Instead it feels dangerous and unforgiving. A stark contrast to what is taught in schools if European History even is broached any more.

     The cover is a painted masterpiece unto itself and Jaime J. Carrillo needs to do much more work because something this stunning needs to be everywhere. The interiors by Cryus and Bhakta is gorgeous as well. The linework here is superb and the way varying weights are used in both bold and subtle manners to create the look, tone, feel and mood of what we see is a huge bonus. The utilisation of page layouts which allow us to see the angles and perspective it the panels shows a really talented eye for storytelling. Also the way that backgrounds are utilised is perfect and the attention they bring to the scene undeniably enhance the moments and story.
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     While this is a six issue run there’s plenty of time to space out the story but the pacing here is such that it just seems to barrel right along. I’m not going to complain one single bit either because if it impeccably strong and easy to get swept up in. So that we see those important to Caravaggio being placed in danger or him to protect the one who loves more than any other and get introduced to his Uncle all of which is a focal point and yet none seem glossed over. This is a really stellar story and in many ways it makes me feel like I did when I saw Mike Grell do Warlord or Jon Sable Freelance and if you are familiar with those than you really need to be familiar with this!

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Jirni vol.3 #1

3/23/2018

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Picture
Jirni vol.3 #1
Aspen Comics 2018
Written by J.T. Krul
Illustrated by Michael Sta. Maria
Lettered by Micah Myers


     In the thriving kingdom of Janna, a young princess named Ara is raised by her loving parents, King Kenaq and Queen Luna. Her life is one of joy and safety until an invading army led by King Graim storms the kingdom, aided by a mysterious sorcerer named Torinthal with a hidden agenda all his own. During the course of the battle, Luna hides Ara away in a private chamber while she stands against Torinthal and his assailants. Unbeknownst to Ara, Luna reveals her own secret in defending her family. She is a d’jinn, a mystical being from another realm. Luna tries to attack Torinthal, but he has gained possession of her vessel and thus now controls her. When the assailants discover Ara in hiding, the trauma of her impending doom triggers something in her and for the first time in her life Ara experiences a transformation of her own - becoming something quite other. She’s not human. She’s not d’jinn. She’s something in between, and she’s powerful. She defeats the assailants and helps turn the tide of the battle for Janna, saving her kingdom. But, the damage is done. Her mother, the queen, is gone. As her father, King Kenaq, struggles to go on after the devastating loss, Ara takes it upon herself to embark on a quest. For her father, for her kingdom, Ara will find Luna. She will bring the queen home.

     You would almost think this could be our past when we see the things that are going on, the majority of the town in the Fernaldi Plains has a very Egyptian feel to it thanks to the way the locals dress as it pertains equally regardless of race. That if it weren’t for Ara and her background that is. When you meet her you can feel her presence and how not different she is but that she is one who commands attention. The fact that there is a lot to like about this franchise among them is that it really feels like an adventuring series that has elements to it you’ll find familiar and others that won’t.

     The way this is structured is extremely well done, from the first page to the last it has a very nice ebb & flow to it. The mixture of story, action and interesting revelations all happen naturally so as nothing feels as it is forced. Also if you haven’t read anything of previous arcs then you are completely in luck because this is a great jumping on point for new readers, yes I mean it’s new reader friendly. J.T. manages to bring the past into the present so as to better understand the d’jinn of this reality and how they came to be here. This allows for the reader to be able to really join in and feel as if they didn’t miss anything and can enjoy this for the adventure that it is. Now if you went back and got the first two afterwards well that wouldn’t be so bad either.

     Michael’s interiors are pretty stellar as well. I like the attention to detail and how the use of colour can make a moment pop, stand out and leave that indelible impression. The way page layouts are utilised and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a really nice eye for storytelling. Also because of the environment of the world here backgrounds aren’t always feasible but then they they are used perfectly! Plus the attention to detail there matches if not exceeds the work on the characters and for an example check out that crazy library work room!  Plus the fact that his rendition of Asa makes her strong, powerful and a force unto herself adds to her characterisation beautifully.

     If Asa were to allow others to join her on her quest it might a little more like a proper adventuring book, I mean alone is great with a few others is better since it opens up avenues of storytelling a single person cannot provide. Otherwise I will wholeheartedly admit right here and now this is much more entertaining than Xena is and not just because she’s part d’jinn either. It is however more than likely that this fresh, new, exciting and ever so different in a few key areas.

     J.T. and company provide some extremely fine work here to bring this character and her story to life and joining her for the journey is recommended.  

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