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Today's reviews!

Reviews for 19-12-21 
​Reviews for 18-12-21 Reviews for 17-12-21 Reviews for 16-12-21
​Reviews for 15-12-21 Reviews for 14-12-21 Reviews for 13-12-21
​Reviews for 12-12-21 Reviews for 11-12-21 Reviews for 10-12-21
​Reviews for 09-12-21 Reviews for 08-12-21 Reviews for 07-12-21
​Reviews for 06-12-21 Reviews for 05-12-21 Reviews for 04-12-21
​Reviews for 03-12-11 Reviews for 02-12-21 Reviews for 01-12-21

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Incursion #2

3/26/2019

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Incursion #2
Valiant Entertainment 2019
Story by Andy Diggle & Alex Paknadel
Written by Alex Paknadel
Illustrated by Doug Braithwaite
Coloured by Diego Rodriguez
Lettered by Marshall Dillon


     Be ware the necromancer known as Imperatrix Virago! A narcissistic creature, Virago has devised a way to keep herself young by converting organic matter into necromantic energy, utilizing the special talents of her young servant, Syntilla. Virago invaded Earth with an armada of undead soldiers in search of the Earth’s avatar, Tama, who Syntilla succeeded in infecting with a necromantic virus. The entire world is now on borrowed time, and the burden falls on Tama’s guardian, Gilad the Eternal Warrior, to find a cure before Virago’s next meal is ready to be consumed…

     So the scourge of the Valiant Universe continues to grow and it’s best hope for survival lays in the hands of Gilad, is the Earth doomed or will he come through this with a way to restore Tama and save the planet? This is a beautifully written, tension filled thrill a minute roller coaster ride that shows us why Alex is the newest rising star in the comics industry. The opening here is great a we start to see the effects that touch to Tama is already having on the life in the oceans. Of course the conversation boxes are intriguing as well as is the woman whom they belong to.

     When certain characters pop up I get that kind of surprise tingly feeling that makes me excited. Of course once it’s revealed that they aren’t playing more than a passing role in these pages then I deflate a bit. Still seeing them is the perfect reminder at how small Valiant’s super-hero community is, or just those with powers (Psiots included actually). This husband and wife duo are going to take care of Tama while Gilad is going to go off on his search for a way to help her. Again I like the way that all of this feels so incredibly organic in nature as if Gilad knew who he could turn to for help, snide comments aside which by the way the dialogue is pretty darn sensational.

     The interiors here are marvellous and seeing the way Doug is able to manipulate the linework through their varying weights and create such amazing attention to detail is incredible. From Gilad’s scars to Tama’s necromantic virus effects to the creativity and imagination in the invaders and those we see in the deadside the attention paid to all we see is just that good. Diego deserves a lot of credit for what he’s bringing to the table here as well. The colours can be muted and delicate, bright white and blinding or pop revealing moments meant to instil awe or fear. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off Doug’s eye for storytelling. The way that backgrounds are utilised bring that feeling of size and scope to the book as well enhance any given moment beautifully.

     The boys do such an amazing job on the story aspect as well. That Gilad can do in his own mini-series that will effect the entire world as they know it and doesn’t need to be drug out and span countless other titles in cameo only is why Valiant continues to be a leader in the industry when it comes to explosive event series stories that can contained to one book in a four issue run. The pacing is here amazing and the way the structure sets up the ebb & flow of how we learn what we need to, and trust me there are some bombshells here, as well fleshing out the characters in ways that not only make sense to who they are but also continues to help us understand them that much more.
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     Gilad is a complex man who hides behind a mask and every once in a while we get to see behind the veneer he puts on and it’s a glorious thing to behold.

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Army of Darkness Bubba Ho-Tep #02

3/26/2019

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Army of Darkness Bubba Ho-Tep #02
Dynamite Entertainment/IDW Publishing 2019
Written by Scott Duvall
Illustrated by Vincenzo Federici
Coloured by Michele Monte
Lettered by Taylor Esposito


     Last we saw Ash, he was soaring chin-first through a time portal, hot on the bandage of Bubba Ho-Tep, and crash-landed in 70’s Las Vegas! The demonic mummy seeks an ancient Egyptian book of souls and will stop at nothing to possess it! Can Ash put his differences aside with a near-peak condition Elvis long enough to teach this undead thief a lesson? Find out in the Vegas-styled winner-takes-all showdown, where the loser gets his soul sucked out!

     Aww man I was really hoping old Elvis was going to be going back as well but hey what can ya do when it’s not your story heh. Regardless what we get here is pretty damn amazing in and of itself. So Ash is back in time (back in time, damn Huey Lewis) and I like this as he is the man he’s always been and well I am sure he’s a little boy in this year so there goes one soul two bodies existing at the same time kaboom theory.

     I am also very much appreciative to Scott for showcasing that there is much more to Ash than meets the eye. Sure he’s an odd duck type of character and he loves his beer but let’s face it he is certainly no dummy. To see him use the smarts that he’s acquired along the way to show us all that he’s more than a pretty face, even if at times he does those really stupid things. The characterisation here is so fantastically well done and not just on Ash but everyone we meet whether they are a major or minor character. Scott’s talent in bringing characters to life is not to be underestimated folks the guys got some serious skills showing here.

     So the opening here is really well done and as a matter of fact the entire book is structured incredibly well. From Ash meeting young Elvis and through to the last page the way this reads has a really strong ebb & flow that allows the reader to enjoy themselves as they absorb what’s revealed along the way. Also the dialogue here is something to behold and there are moments when I laughed out loud, now maybe because growing up that film was shown each season religiously and perhaps the younger generations don’t know it but I thought that was amazingly well done.

     Vincenzo does some absolutely stunning work on the interiors here! The way he’s able to utilise the varying weights of the linework to create some sensational attention to detail, Michele too for that matter on that book for instance, that draws the eye through the panels in a great way. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us a great eye for storytelling. I like how backgrounds are utilised, though I would really like to see all the panels have them in use. The colour work is superb! The way that we see through glass, or how light sources cast shadows plus the shading and gradation it is all used so beautifully.
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     The puns, or quips, the witty banter and just the overall way the fight sequences are choreographed is something that brings the reader pure joy. This is how you take something outrageous and make it feel serious and keep it all feeling like a good time. This is what many of us used to enjoy in comics before the over the top silliness of the 90’s and the now uber-angst filled books of today. The best part of all this is that these two franchises from different companies work so exceedingly well together. Almost as if this were meant to be.

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Offbeats #1

3/26/2019

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Offbeats #1
Antarctic Press 2019
Created by Tom Sacchi & John Ward
Written by John Ward
Illustrated by Giles Crawford
Coloured by Dan Thompson
Lettered by Henry Barajas


     It's Tintin meets Tarantino in this 1950's crime noir! A young man tries to save a woman from a vicious street gang, but ends up needing to be rescued by a petty crook who introduces him to a whole new world!

     I have said this days ago but really it applies all the time, Antarctic Press is home to some spectacular, diverse and interesting stories and I am so glad I am into them big time! It’s past due but so as long I got there that’s all that matters right? So what stands in your way of finding out for yourself why I can’t stop raving about the books they are putting onto stands? No more excuses, step out of that comfort zone and see what else is out there you might just surprise yourself!

     I have no idea what the hell is going on here and I LOVE IT! The opening is interesting and I really love the way these guys manage to do the narration with the imagery because it leaves an impact on you. This segues into meeting Jim which has this extremely smooth, think glass you can’t tell is there, feel and flow to it. Though I am not surprised since I really enjoyed his work on Scratcher. I really do like how the ebb & flow of what we see, learn and get to know here through the books structuring. This is why I love comics, this is not quite a slice of life book though it has some elements to it and it’s certainly not a coming of age story either and yet because of the way we start this that’s the immediate vibe you get. It is super strong and well done and it sucked me in straight away.

     I do like that this is the 1950’s as period pieces allow for some added flavour and colour. By this I mean that life was different then, smoking was something almost everyone did, the clothes, the clubs and the social dynamics make for a kind of set pattern and it’s nice to see how John takes that and sculpts and moulds into something uniquely his. Also another aspect is the language here and the slang or whatnot that you’d find then and it really goes that extra mile in terms of authenticity.

     The interiors here are delightful and while it does somewhat feel like some old newspaper strip comic art it takes on the presence of the story making it so much more. It is pretty odd too because this isn’t the kind of work I would go for and yet it really does feel charming and interesting. Giles found a way to take the work and make feel like it belongs in this style of story and that’s pretty amazing to me. The colour work too is more solidly packed in and not so much gradation or shading so you really do get the overall comics strip feel. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off this really good, solid and strong eye for storytelling. So the way that backgrounds are utilised is great to see and how they enhance the moments makes me happy.
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     We kind of get an inkling of what is going on here but that’s just it, an inkling. I say this because hints and encounters of the characters that are introduced give off this amazing intrigue vibe but don’t reveal all that much. This is great because it keeps me reading, riveted and wanting to see and know more. The overall, all around creativity and imagination that is on display here is utterly marvellous, this is the kind of story that envelops you in it’s web and you don’t want to leave.

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Invisible Kingdom #1

3/25/2019

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Invisible Kingdom #1
Berger Books 2019
Written by G. Willow Wilson
Illustrated by Christian Ward
Lettered by Sal Cipriano


     Set in a far-flung star system, this new epic sci-fi monthly saga tells the tale of two women—a young religious acolyte and a hard-bitten freighter pilot—who separately uncover a vast conspiracy between the leader of the system's dominant religion and the mega-corporation that controls society. On the run from reprisals on both sides, this unlikely pair of rebels risk plunging the world into anarchy if they reveal the truth. But when your beliefs betray you, what choice is there left?

     This my friends is a weird one and it’s the absolute best kind of weird you can imagine! First I love me a good science fiction story that happens in space where anything can happen. I mean there’s cool technology and alien species for cryin in the mud now! Add into that the fact that Christian is doing the interiors and you’ve got a killer combination in play. You know with Karen being behind this line it really is no surprise that I have yet to read a Berger Book that isn’t extremely professionally done. These are smart, interesting and complex stories that have great interior artwork and can make a huge impact on what folks read.

     Willow really does know how to write a gripping tale regardless of it’s genre. I love her way with words in that she can keep the syntax & diction of the characters different based on what we read. I am one of those who kind of, okay absolutely does, give voices to the characters in an attempt to get to know them better so hence the syntax & diction reference. Yes I am a geek and uber nerd I suppose but hey we all have our own little quirks when it comes to diving into finding out how we figure the characters out.

     The way that this is structured is beautifully done. It feels like there are two arcs running simultaneously that seem connected in some way shape or form….however it isn’t apparently time for us to know if/when they do merge. In the meantime both of the stories have their own unique mystery elements. Well I am thinking they do from what I am seeing and the way that Willow introduces us to these characters feels like it should, it has this natural feeling about it that we’re meeting the cast as they live their lives and not as if they’ve been thrown together for the sake of the story.

     I love the work Christian does. The linework is gorgeous and how he’s able to use the varying weights to create this over-the-top spectacular attention to detail. I mean lines, no lines, colour used as lining it’s just hypnotic. Which leads into the colour work because this neon 80’s inspired world and how we see these folks, roads and walls demonstrate such a high skill level not to mention amazing eyes and vision. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show that mega-good eye for storytelling. The way we see backgrounds being utilised so that they enhance the moments, subliminally advertise what we’ll see at some point, LUX anyone, and bring to life this sense of size and scope of the story beautifully.

      The characterisation is really good and we get to see the good, bad and the ugly while their mysterious machinations which they all have planned in some form or another is sensed, hinted at but completely unknown is that hook a book usually needs. I mean now I want to know more than ever what the heck is going to happen next!
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     I am not quite sure how she’s done this but Willow has managed to create a book that thinkers will devour and those who just be entertained can get the same amount of satisfaction from this. Christian’s interiors well they just seal the deal to be honest.  ​

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Lazarus Risen #1

3/25/2019

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​Lazarus Risen #1
Image Comics 2019
Written by Greg Rucka
Illustrated by Michael Lark W/ Tyler Boss
Coloured by Santi Arcas
Lettered by Simon Bowland


    The world now lies divided, not amongst political or geographical boundaries, but financial ones. Wealth is power, and that power rests with only a handful of Families. In the Year X, sixteen Families signed the Macau Accords, whereupon they divided the world and its assets amongst themselves. Individuals who provide a service to their ruling Family are cared for and protected. They are the Serfs.  All others are Waste.
     Every Family has a champion, the embodiment of their technical and martial power.
           Every Family has a Lazarus.
          Two years have passed since the Carlyle Family was betrayed in battle, and the Conclave War encroaches on every side. As a new era dawns, Johanna Carlyle goes on the attack to ensure the survival of her Family, relying on the loyalty and support of the Carlyle Lazarus—her sister, Forever—remaining at her side. And while their united front may be enough to turn the tide, the cracks are beginning to show…

     There are few things in life better than Rucka on this series. If you have never read this and were afraid to just dive because of being worried about being able to follow it. Well have no fear with this one because you get this and it has a very nice comprehensive what’s come before at the opening of the book. It really is pretty marvellous so please do pick this up, I mean this really is one of those series where Rucka gets to shine in was that you can see makes him incredibly happy. When a creator is happy, proud of the book and the work inside it, you can definitely tell by the finished product.

     The writing here is beyond spectacular and the way the story is structured is amazingly good. Right off the bat the opening scene is one of such power and substance that you really get that sensation where you need to know more. I know I sure as hell wanted to know more. There is just something about the premise of this world as it is now in these pages that ignites the intrigue factor in your mind that captures the imagination in such a way that it becomes a part of you, as if it seeped in through the pores of your fingers into the very blood pumping through your veins.

      Then there is the interior artwork here. Jeez, Louise, Mary and Josephine could this be any more intense if they tried, I think not. So see something de-cloak before your eyes like they show here well I gotta say it blew my freakin mind, it also had me drooling from the get go. The linework here is exquisite and the delicate lines balancing the boldness of others and how they all create this gorgeous attention to detail is pretty mesmerising. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us this magnificent eye for storytelling. The way backgrounds are utilised here so that they seem essential to the story is so nice to see. They expand the moment and bring this great sense of size and scope to the story. The colour work here too is pretty divine to see as the colours pop when needed and emphasise other moments, it feels awe inspiring.

     One of the things that I really like about this is that Rucka isn’t afraid to shake up the status quo at any given moment. Life is all about change and how we react to it so why should this story be any different than how our lives work. Sure it takes on a strange science fiction twist but in all reality how far off is any of the science we see here? Love, loss and betrayal make for stellar reading and when it’s all within the family bonds will be tested and when the time comes and the familial bonds break well that’s when the interesting bits really happen.
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      This really should be in your life if it isn’t already because all of this will make you long for for more.

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Blessed Machine #1

3/25/2019

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Blessed Machine #1
Cave Studio Pictures 2019
Script by Jesse Hamm & Mark Rodgers
Written & Illustrated by Jesse Hamm
Coloured by Caitlin Like


     Jacob, son of Administrator Anna A3644, is revisited by the recurring dreams that plagued his youth. He believes they indicate that the earth's surface, once rendered uninhabitable by a horrific malfunction of the Large Hadron Collider, is now safe. But can he convince those who live underground with him? And at what cost?

      I knew this was coming out and I really wanted to give it a go as I really like the Appalachian Apocalypse that they publishing right now. Cave has been smart in the releasing of their titles as they stagger them into our lives. So coming into this one blind was totally the right call for me because getting to experience this like I am was an amazing thing.

     We open up here meeting Jacob as a young boy who we learn has recurring nightmares. It is an interesting way to open up a story and meet a character. Then meeting his mother’s (?) and hearing the mantra by which they live made things even more odd and interesting to me. There is just something about it all as we see it before that raises the interest and intrigue factors that captures your mind and urges you to see more. This also encompasses the whole kind of mini-background of what has happened in the past that has led them to being where they are.

     The way that this book is structured is absolutely sensational to see. The transitions from part to part is smooth as silk and never once does it lose the reader or confuse them and I love that fact. Also the way Jesse is able to create the ebb & flow of the story without powers, abilities and all that super stuff but has nothing but a solid, interesting and well story doing so is even more impressive to me. There is something spectacular about seeing such a story driven story that is easy to identify with and in some realm of possibility could actually occur. So this for me is where Jesse gets to put his stamp on the industry and become known as someone to be reckoned with.

      His wok on the interiors here as well is pretty darn impressive. Jesse has said that he expects artists to use backgrounds and he does that, says what he does, and I couldn’t be any more thrilled by this. They expand the moment, they bring a size and scope to the book that is essential to the story and it just has this effect where you may not realise it but it just brings this world to life. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off this utterly amazing eye for storytelling. The way we see the varying weights of the linework being utilised is marvellous! I love the colours, the mood they bring, the boldness, the gradation effect and again how they just set the mood, tone and feel of this world. I was a little sad that while Jacob has a regular physique (THANK YOU for that) I wish he had hair on his chest and belly leading to that happy trail.
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     I cannot stress enough that what these folks bring to the table with this is something that is extraordinary! The concept, the way it got written and how we see it visually add to this creativity and imagination that sneaks up on you, takes you by surprise with how the emotional spectrum of this hits you. It has this intrigue factor centred around Jacob that is surprising and the characterisation is just outstanding. All in all this is something you need to either, call, go to your local brick and mortar and order it—or contact your subscription service, You will definitely be happy you did!

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Tainted Love #1

3/23/2019

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Tainted Love #1
Antarctic Press 2019
Created & Written by Arthur Bellfield
Illustrated by Cloves Rodriguez & Flavio Silva
Coloured by Luca Bulgheroni & Ernest Johnson
Lettered by Toben Racicot


    Chloe Anderson is a troubled woman who dates super villains and often calls upon them to help her solve cases as a crisis manager for superhuman millennials. Her life has led her to give up on love, so now she dates only men to whom she won't form an attachment. Then she meets the one: American One, a superhero. In the middle of a date, he gets into a superhuman fight and disappears. Chloe discovers he's been taken to a secret military complex and been shot!

    In a short amount of time, I have really been impressed with what I have seen coming out of Antarctic Press. Here we open up with a recanting of how Chloe’s date ended as she tells her best friend and flatmate about what happened. I also have to say one thing right off the bat, where Devin is when she’s telling her this is freakin priceless. Still this one of the ways that I personally enjoy starting off a new series. It leaves more backstory unavailable at this time which only means it can be used later, this world is somewhat pre-made and there has been some effort into the particulars before it even went to print. Not everything has to start off with an origin or for beginners only and I like the tension and the dynamic started right up front.

    So while we can get into her relationships another time we do get to meet her date and what happened to him afterwards. So love it or hate it this dude considers himself a hero, willing to do what Liberals won’t, keep America safe from Thugs and Immigrants polluting the streets. Which seems amazingly topical at the moment all things considered that is going on in the United States right now. So props for the characterisation and showing that this guy believes in who he is and what he’s doing and by no means does he consider himself anything other than the countries greatest hero. I find it an interesting dynamic really considering who he works for and with, at least according to what we see within these pages. What Arthur manages to do very well here is set-up something where the character is a moral quandary and depending on your beliefs is how you're going to see his actions.

    The interiors here are really rather nice. While I have a few questions about why eyes are white at times the body proportions and how we see the characters has a nice feel about them. I really love the linework here and how the varying weights are utilised to bring out the attention to detail. It does call a few things into question and makes me want to see more. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a very solid eye for storytelling. I am very big on backgrounds and seeing them utilised and the way they are here makes me very happy. The colour here is very nicely done as well. The wood flooring, for example, took me by surprise but I love it, the way colour is used in gradation and highlighting is nice to see as well.

    The way the characters are introduced and the primary role they will is being fleshed out nicely. I like that there is room for them to grow, change and realise things differently but for the moment however, there is a really good strong starting point for all them. I look forward to seeing how each of the roles is in reality instead of how the others see it but in the meantime, I am going to enjoy the heck out of the way they currently interact.
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There is superb storytelling going on here, it engages the reader and you find the issue over and you’re in that whole wait what where’s the rest stage which is sensational in its own right.   ​

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Gretel #1

3/23/2019

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Gretel #1
Zenescope Entertainment 2019
Written by Ben Meares
Illustrated by Allan Otero
Coloured by Ceci De la Cruz
Lettered by Maurizio Clausi (Arancia Studio)


     Gretel’s story has been more of a nightmare than a fairy tale ever since the tragic events of her childhood. These events have left her life cursed for many centuries. After her heart-wrenching debut in Grimm Universe Presents, Gretel has been gifted the power of premonition. But when she has a psychic vision foretelling the end of the world, Gretel must open old wounds if she wants to try and prevent it from coming true.

     This was a bit of a surprise for me and for a change it is a surprise that I actually enjoy! There are a few aspects of this that are familiar and I like that, parts of this made me think of Supernatural when Dean was turned into a kid to be eaten. This makes it easier to relate to regardless of who you are because essentially we’ve all heard the story or stories as the case may be. That this is dark and twisted fits right into the Zenescope line of books beautifully. Much like Robyn, Red or Liesel she’s somewhat more than the others. The powers make sense and it has this tragic kind of back story so that while she’s not a super-hero she has that kind of aura about her. So any way you feel like slicing the pie you will find it incredibly relatable to.

     I will say I do not like the bustier knickers-straps there is no need to over sexualise her here and it’s just shame that has been. I realise that the higher ups aren’t grown ups but hey. I like that Ben does bring us here origin story here in the way that it was presented is fantastic. The way the book is structured and how we get to see the ebb & flow of the story and how it’s all just got this easy way about it. The present to flashback to present is done extremely well and that’s something trips up a lot of writers but the segue here is sensational.

     Allan my man you are a stunning visual artist so that when I see a few mistakes like body proportions looking off I scratch my head. There are times when Gretel’s arms/hands just don’t match up. Then on the opposite side that first look at the witch who made her who she is, that over the shoulder turn and the crazy amount of detail work that’s in that page is an oh my holy hell. Some of the best work here is the black and white with shades of grey and red. Overall the utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective show off this stellar eye for storytelling. The way backgrounds are utilised and seeing the city but having that blurred blew me away. The colour work here is outstanding and when wee the magic, the symbols and the blue well it pops in every single way that is absolutely should.

      The characterisation here is much more than I was anticipating. I like the idea behind Gretel and how her powers came to be. The victim mentality and being so young as to not understand what was done to her could be dealt with and change her into something more. That is another relatable thing as they delve into her past and her relationship with her mentor. You get the sense that there is so much presented and yet so much that still remains hidden from view and that means there is that much more to explore as the story arcs continue.
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     Now he outfit choices aside this is an exciting new series with a new character that combines strong, intelligent storytelling and some sensational interior artwork that show off the company’s commitment to bringing us high quality storytelling.

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Dungeons & Dragons: A Darkened Wish #1

3/21/2019

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Dungeons & Dragons: A Darkened Wish #1
IDW Publishing 2019
Written by B. Dave Walters
Illustrated by Tess Fowler
Coloured by Jay Fotos
Lettered by Tom B. Long


     When war threatens the Moonshae Isles, legendary heroes return to defeat the forces of an unthinkable foe. The Forgotten Realms are changed forever as young wizard Helene and her friends grow from raw recruits on the streets of Mintarn into powerful warriors.

     Present Day at Alaron, Moonshae Isles is where we open up this story. It is under attack seemingly by a number of forces or just one large one I am not sure which at this juncture but I will say it is definitely interesting to see so many races assembled on the first page along. What this does, at least for myself, is opens up that so long as a version of Dungeons & Dragons exists all the different races and variations therein are fair game. Though I wouldn’t mind seeing a Warforged from Eberron as well. It also excites me by the possibilities that this presents as any number of combinations are or can be in play.

     Once the opening sequence concludes we go back in time, oh my I just started in on Huey Lewis and the News, where we get to meet a young Helene. I think that the universal, or interdimensional, fact that parents have plans for their children that don’t include asking what they want is something so many can relate to. Whether it’s the bar or bat mitzvah (my day but my mother’s affair sigh), a coming out party or really anything you can think of, including weddings. So to see Helene escape and go off to explore her own fate well that’s a great thing to see, with the help of course of her grandfather and her two best friends.

     Dave does some really nice things with the way that this is structured. From the opening which garners some intense interest factors to the past and the way the characters are introduced all of these things create a very nice, natural ebb & flow. Then there is this whole thing where the kids while off on their grand adventure meet new friends, trouble finds them and the original idea scrapped for something new and suddenly it is very much feeling like more than a coming of age story but one that also includes love, loss, betrayal you know all the biggies! If this first issue is the example for what’s to come I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter already.

     Tess does an absolutely stunning job on the interiors here. Her linework is supple, varied and brings us this crazy amount of attention to detail. I love how all of this works together and of course Jay’s colour work is as usual pretty freakin amazing and I don’t think I have ever seen work from him that isn’t on point. With all that we see here, which by the way should feel cluttered and overwhelming is far from it, getting it right and keeping the colours for the characters moving forward is some damn good stuff. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off Tess’ eye for storytelling beautifully. That we see backgrounds utilised in such ways that not only complete the moments they are but also bring this fantastic sense of size and scope it extremely well done.
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      I’m a huge Dungeons & Dragons guy, I played when it came out and periodically ever since, when I can find a game to join I will jump at the change, and from made for television films (Mazes and Monsters), cartoon’s (the classic series as well as animated features) and even big budget motion pictures so to see what I do here is a fine addition to the tradition. There is that sense of hope when starting a new campaign and then the jaded lives left later on and the fun part of seeing what happens in between. I will say this really is brilliantly done.

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Dark Red #1

3/21/2019

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Picture
Dark Red #1
Aftershock 2019
Created & Written by Tim Seeley
Created & Illustrated by Corin Howell
Coloured by Mark Englert
Lettered by Marshall Dillon


       Charles “Chip” Ipswich isn’t one of those coastal elites with a liberal arts degree and a job at a social media start-up who knows where all the best brunch places are…No, Chip is one of the “forgotten men.” He lives in a rural area in the middle of the country where Jesus still has a place at the dinner table and where factories ship jobs to Calcutta. Chip is also a vampire. Stuck working the last shift at a gas station, Chip is lonely and bored…and then his dull, bleak life is turned upside down when SHE comes to town.

     I hadn’t expected this to be as funny as it is. I guess considering Tim’s history I should have but nope. I like that too because it brings something new to the vampire genre that mixes both an interesting premise with some well intended humour so that the end result is something I am not sure many people saw coming. While there is plenty of time to explore the intricacies of the vampires habits and hunting grounds rules, well hopefully there is, right now this is meant to introduce us to the characters and set up that which is going to turn Chip’s world upside down.

     So I kind of like the fact that Chip has himself a third shift shit job where he does his best to blend into the scenery instead of stand out. This means that some of them still intrinsically value their privacy and don’t want the world to know they exist. At least to some degree. I like the way that we are introduced to the characters here from Chip’s boss, to the colourful characters in this small sleepy town to Evie who comes with her own set of trials and tribulations and finally those who would intrude upon his territory. Of all of this is done in ways that I really appreciate seeing as it falls in line with how you would expect us to meet them and while I hope this going to be longer than one limited run if we don’t get all the details in regards to everyone well so far what we got is more than enough to get the ball rolling.

     Corin, if you are going to bring us backgrounds to set the stage, which you are doing beautifully, then please continue with them throughout there really any blank backgrounds when you have already started using them. That being said I really do like the way that she is bringing these characters to life. The linework here is extremely well utilised and how we see the varying weights utilised to create some wonderful attention to detail is fantastic. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us her rather lovely eye for storytelling. The colour work here too is a joyful thing to see. Whether it is the bold neon signage or the gradation in the cab of a truck everything is utilised to it’s fullest to really deliver a wonderful impact. Also nicely done with the eyes Heck even the reflection on the mopped floors and fangs all of which pop for various reasons.
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     All around there is a really nice use of creativity and imagination to help the reader fully immerse themselves in this. Tim as always has one of those wonderful and unique voices in comics today and he really does understand his craft exceptionally well. With a good premise, strong story & plot development and some incredible characterisation to go alongside Corin’s delight work in the interiors and Aftershock just keeps proving they aren’t a flash in the pan they are here to make a difference in the medium.

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