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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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Punk Mambo #1

4/24/2019

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Punk Mambo #1
Valiant Entertainment 2019
Written by Cullen Bunn
Illustrated by Adam Gorham
Coloured by Jose Villarrubia
Lettered by Dave Sharpe


     From writer Cullen Bunn (Venom) and artist Adam Gorham (New Mutants: Dead Souls) comes this hilariously horrifying tale. Punk Mambo is a hard-living voodoo priestess who grew up in London, then relocated to Louisiana’s Bayou Country. Now, she's a mystical mercenary for hire. In her first-ever solo series, Punk Mambo investigates a series of abductions in the New Orleans gutter punk scene, stumbling upon a deadlier mystery that takes her to the haunted shores of Haiti.

     I have been looking forward to this since she was first introduced and every subsequent appearance thereafter. I mean c’mon anyone who hang with my boy Ninjak deserves the spotlight as well. So finally we get to see and learn more about this woman and there’s no one better than Cullen to bring us her story. Seriously no one better, Cullen has his magical ability to write any character in any genre, in any setting imaginable but I love his dark side. When he gets a chance to unleash the darkness I get chills up my spine and I crave more of what it. So here we are (face to face a couple of silver spoons, trying to find we’re two of a kind).

     The opening is everything I could have hoped for and so much more. Getting to see the side of New Orleans that even the locals avoid is definitely an area on the map I want to visit. Who wouldn’t want to go where the monsters dwell? From the looks of things there is a definite reason for the avoidance of this area though for how much longer remains to be seen. Not so ironically we’ll see what fills the void left behind now, hopefully.

     I am very much enjoying the way that this book is structured. That one moment in time (when I’m more that I thought I could be) that changes everything is one of the most unusual things I have ever seen. I like the implications and ramifications of that event but I’ll god-damned if that didn’t freak me out, made me wonder and left me in awe all in the same moment. Pardon my French but shit just got real. For all the action that we see the story and characterisation are a constant throughout the entire book. It is amazing to me how Cullen can infuse everything into everything and make it seem like it’s nothing more than the air you breathe.

     Oh Sweet Son of a Preacher Man are the interiors here utterly sinful. Sinfully good that is. The linework is freaking gorgeous and how Adam is able to utilise the varying weights so that from the boldest of the bold to the softest and most delicate lines can be utilised in this level of attention to detail that we see here. On top of that the creativity and imagination on display is mindbogglingly good. I will say I am a tad disappointed that the naked isn’t fully if you get the drift because well not only curious minds but it would’ve felt more natural to the scenes. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this strong and talented eye for storytelling. I want to see backgrounds utilised more, specially in that first encounter with Marie. The colour work here is just as gorgeous. The colour gradation and shades of purple in the hair alone was magnificent. Put the pop in the Loa or the magic itself is spectacular and the way light sources are utilised to show shadows, shading and et al works perfectly for me.
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     Diving into the world of Voodoo and Punk Mambo’s extended life, on her own with the promise that is made within these pages have made this as electric as can be. While I’m not the one who’s so far away, when I feel the snake bite enter my veins, can you say the same?

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Aberrant Season 2 #1

4/24/2019

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Aberrant Season 2 #1
Action Lab Danger Zone 2019
Written by Rylend Grant
Illustrated by Davi Leon Dias
Coloured by Iwan Joko Triyono
Lettered by HdE


     CHAPTER 1: I NEED A HERO.
   As a wholly new and delightfully twisted story arc begins, David is forced to team with the man he hates most (and trusts the least) to complete a key mission. Disgraced former superhero Lance Cordrey wonders if he has one last save-the-world push left in him.

     See folks this is what keeps me coming back time and again to read comics. This is a really interesting, honest and brutal look at what happens when people get powers. Not everyone is a nice guy and sometimes when you gain these abilities and let’s face it when it happens like it did here you freak out and forget who you are and or were. So to see Rylend not shy away from showing what we would actually instead of what we think we might do, or hope we might do, and to do it so well really is a refreshing change of pace. Also this is season 2 so it’s not as if the characters don’t have time to grow and evolve, so for now they act completely within character.

     I like the way that this is structured. The opening is always something that we’ll see somewhere in the book and it’s attention grabbing to the point where you want to find out what leads to it. Then there is the whole deal with the Government having their greedy, sticky hands in all this. They took Lance down, purposefully and I believe they did it primarily so that they could use and manipulate him for their own purposes which if you look at the character is highly improbable. Rylend is creating layers to the book through the characters complexity, those around them who have this illusion of control, and the very Aberrant’s they tasked with defeating.

     The ebb & flow created here is sensational. While it is very much a heavy story driven book the placement of action or moments that shock you are placed expertly within. That the narration and characterisation, not to mention character assessment, that moves this story forward has this fantastic feel of speed to it. The pacing is pretty brilliant and how we see events that could have been drawn out but fit within the parameters of doing a limited series run.

     The interiors are very well done and the way that we see the linework here is crisp, clean and strong. The utilisation of the varying weight are manipulated so that they bring out some very nice attention to detail. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us a solid eye for storytelling. The one thing I wish were better are the way backgrounds are utilised. When used properly they expand the moment and bring a nice sense of size and scope to the world. Then there are too many panels without backgrounds at all, plus there are times when we see them utilised but then on the same page it disappears and I’m left wondering what that’s about. Consistency is key and the locker room is a nice example of that, speaking of which I could’ve used less of the button pushing shocking and more of the shower itself that page was a missed opportunity. The colour work from Iwan is strong and nice to see. There is colour gradation, a nice use of light sources for shading and shadows and sets the mood where the scene takes place beautifully.
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     I love the story and I may be nitpicking the interiors but that’s what I do, am supposed to do (?) right, right. The way all this is told and the sheer intensity that the story and artwork bring to it is really stunning. The potential for this series is just beginning to be scratched and trust me you want to be here sooner rather later.  ​

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Knights of the Golden Sun #6

4/23/2019

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Knights of the Golden Sun #6
Mad Cave Studios 2018
Written by Mark London
Illustrated by Mauricio Villarreal
Lettered by Andrew S. Zea


     Previously in Knights of the Golden Sun:
     In Azrael's lair, we discovered Azrael and Sandalphon's true intentions as well as their ultimate trump card. Then Lucifer confronted Azrael and was surprised to see that she was openly defying the laws of nature and the word of God with her latest abomination. Meanwhile, at the House of David, Michael was gifted a powerful relic thought to have been lost to humanity…

     I love this series. At first I wasn’t so sure that I was gonna even like it, I mean God, Angels, demons and humanity felt more like some Christian Sunday School topic to me. However with each issue that comes out Mark is weaving a story that is kind of universal in it’s message. There is a very lovely sentiment about family, obligation and the things that bind us and most of all how we react to all that in the face of adversity. The themes that run through this could have been told by just about any civilisation that had a stronghold at one time or another. People being oppressed, arrogance in feeling superior and the desire to rid the world of the kind they don’t like. Sounds more familiar to you than you expected doesn’t it?

     I love the way Mark structures these books as the overall ebb & flow he creates as he weaves in and out of all the lives he needs to cover. Transitions feel easy and natural, which when writing isn’t as easy as he makes it appear, and the pacing of the story is amazingly well done. Also the characterisation here is stellar, I mean the Angels when created were in the image of God, so male, and the first human he supposedly made was Adam so that all the Angels in theory were male and it wasn’t until the current push for diversity gave them gender and race. Regardless all the Angels speak to each other the way same way, and you can hear the same tone in your head because let’s face we all voice the characters in our heads, yet the inflections and slight personality differences are still able to shine through. If you haven’t already you need to find these or the trade because believe me you will be impressed with Mark’s writing skill, talent and ability.

     Mauricio is becoming more and more adept at using the computer to generate his artwork. Early on I saw, and mentioned some issues I was seeing and whether he listened or heard what I saw isn’t what I’m currently seeing. The views here are extraordinary and the detail that he puts into this, including the backgrounds (god bless) give this that kind of feel you don’t get elsewhere. I mean the stone pattern that makes up the floor it feels worn, used and ancient and it’s beautiful to see and be able to feel that. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a very strong eye for storytelling. Also the colour work is extravagantly magnificent and the pop certain aspects give off are drool worthy.

     Now next issue is supposed to be the finale in this arc. I say “in this arc” because I feel like everything has been about the gathering of forces, both for good and for evil (all of which depends on your point of view). Both sides gathering those to aid them and defeat the other it is a building stage to me and I hope and pray that’s what it is. Simply because I don’t want this to really end. Even if it is there are more ways to destroy humanity and hurt the Father in the process it’s just a matter of dreaming them up, or using what is and twisting it just right.
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     Mad Cave has burst onto the scene with not nearly enough fanfare and here I am telling you this is what the future of comics holds and you need to be here and watch it grow!

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Blossoms 666 #3

4/23/2019

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Blossoms 666 #3
Archie Horror 2019
Written by Cullen Bunn
Illustrated by Laura Braga
Coloured by Matt Herms
Lettered by Jack Morelli


     Cheryl and Jason Blossom are in a competition to be the one, true Anti-Christ. Following a raucous pool party thrown by the twins, Dilton Doiley, Ethel Muggs and Reggie Mantle all went missing. The disappearances of the three have had people concerned—most of all being Betty Cooper, who’s determined to prove that there’s something up with the Blossom Twins. Meanwhile, back at the Blossom household, the siblings’ rivalry got more challenging when they learned that they’re not the only two competing—so is Julian, their older brother.

     Damn you Cullen for this story. I mean I am sitting here contemplating the significance of the first born, let alone the first born son. From the beginning of man’s attempt at recording history we have seen the importance placed upon the first born so why should that be any different here? Still I have spent the last 30 minutes on this subject so damn you and spectacular writing that makes me seek answers to my own questions elsewhere. Actually in all seriousness this is what Cullen he takes you from the story and into your world where you expand upon what you see and try as you might figure out how much is fabrication and how much is from lore.

     So the way this issue opens is fantastic as we get to see the birth of the Blossom children. Of course at the same time this is a flashback it’s also the parents telling their children the truth about their brother and how it all came to be that they are where they are now. This of course was a huge deal with what I said above and I am sure that the folks that were there for the delivery thought very much the same thing I had. As is the Blossom way the revelation of the truth was never about welcoming a long lost sibling it was what that meant for them in the long run. You have to love Cheryl because regardless of the situation she isn’t afraid to speak her mind or the first to throw someone under a bus while doing so.

     Laura and Matt do some absolutely stunning work on the interiors here. While most colours are muted to set a darker more sinister tone the red-headed Blossoms have their shining like a beacon with this whole notice me I am meant to stand out manner. The linework is utterly gorgeous and how we see the varying weights utilised to bring this to life is sensational. There is a romance and beauty to the book that somehow perfectly fits with this whole Anti-Christ story. It’s not technically Gothic in nature but there is this undeniable presence about it that really keeps this centred in the horror genre. Without even knowing anything about this the work here screams it and it’s captivating, mesmerising and hauntingly beautiful. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off this stupendous eye for storytelling. The way we see backgrounds utilised as well do wonders in enhancing the moment and bringing a sense of size and scope to Riverdale on the whole.
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     This incarnation of Betty as Nancy Drew is something I love seeing. The tomboy fixing cars, innocent and naive in the ways of the world, super sleuth is something that makes her new fresh and fascinating but still somehow keeping her in the vein of her original incarnation. The characterisation we see here is out of this world. Every single page that’s turned leads to something new that is going on in this story and depending on who’s doing what there’s this feeling of unease and foreboding doom and I can’t get enough of it! ​

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Agent 1.22 #3

4/23/2019

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Agent 1.22 #3
DPM Publishing 2016
Written by Stephan Nilson
Illustrated by Douglas Shuler
Lettered by Charles Pritchett


     The battle for the Mnemosyne rages on! Agent 1.22, Sani-Mech, and Medi-Bot fight their way through hordes of Tempest Virus victims while Matt rushes to save her.

     This is an example of why it’s important to follow the little guys. Yes it takes longer to get the issues out, which is one reason they need your support, but the end result is well worth it. You won’t find anything else out there with a similar concept, look, tone and feel to it and that alone should be exciting but Stephan is a good, solid writer and he knows how to tell a story with layers to it. I am enjoying the way that this is structured and how the overall ebb & flow of action balanced with story & plot development is done. I would wholeheartedly support this so that the issues come out faster, though sometimes it’s unavoidable.

     Matt ah the opening with him is very interesting. His characterisation and how we see him for who he is through the dialogue and actions here is sensationally well done. We aren’t really supposed to like him and that much I think is clear, he tries to distance himself from emotions so he can do his job as methodically as possible. Which could be admirable but his speech to Rae is densely populated with everything we should know about him and not all of it leaves him in a favourable light. Personally I love this! Time spent on him and kind of almost making him Mnemosyne’s counterbalance of sorts is part of what really attracts me to the book.

     While I have no clue what’s really going on with Mnemosyne but she has found herself in something of a pickle to say the least. The fact that we are finally seeing past the veneer and getting those glimpses into her past brings me joy. Of course under these circumstances what she saw may well have left her too rattled to think clearly. Her snarky, overconfident opponent however she is someone that needs to be taken down the to bottom rung. How is it that Stephan can write the heck out of a “bad guy” is beyond me but somehow I am thinking that I don’t want to get on his bad side as it may just be too dark a place.

     The interiors here are pretty darn good. While I am still adjusting to seeing such work done through computers this one has all the appeal of a video game. That is what it feels like to me that this like a foundation that a game would be built upon if that makes any sense at all. The prototype bodies with the mix and match (Fashion Plate anyone) of heads and hair, this is what how it reads to me. Still I do like the intensity and the visual effects that we see, though there are times that the sense of movement really needs an upgrade instead of feeling like it’s an action figure still.

     The creativity and imagination that we see is utterly sensational and just the way we see things like ships or the robots or heck even the people it all shines. Matt however is in desperate need of a haircut, I mean this whole mullet business is gross. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a really polished eye for storytelling. A big thank you for the way backgrounds are utilised here as well, it gives that much needed sense of size and scope to the book as well as enhancing the panels they are in.

  This has some extremely good, strong writing through it’s story & plot development, pacing and yes the characterisation. Then add into the mix this style of art and we are treated to one hell of an interesting and unique book. ​

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Incursion #3

4/22/2019

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Incursion #3
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


     Beware 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. In hopes of bargaining for a cure, her guardian, Gilad the Eternal Warrior, pursued Syntilla to Virago’s keep, located deep in the ghastly realm of the Deadside. Meanwhile, Virago’s undead army has run rampant across the globe…

     Hello Darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again, because a vision softly creeping, left its seeds while I was sleeping, and the vision that was planted in my brain still remains within the sounds of silence. (the Disturbed version too suits this exquisitely)

     This is one of those stories that affects and involves the entire Valiant Universe and yet can still be contained to this four issue arc. It is so amazingly well done and from concept through execution the whole thing reads so very true, at least to those characters directly involved in what we see. It is stories like this that show the entire industry you don’t need some flashy worthless story that goes nowhere except for shock value that a true story driven story can do so much more for the readers’. Valiant really is home to the limited run series that make it both easier and affordable to follow their favourite characters, though honestly I wish Gilad did have a monthly because of all them he’s got the most complicated, sorrowful and interesting life.

     While it certainly doesn’t have to be at this stage but the opening here is one of the best moment in time captures that I’ve seen. With a myriad of characters and a news helicopter reporting the state of what is going on, which the flimsy excuse provided by the CDC is proven so very quickly, it manages to convey so much within just one page. Then we hit the ground running again as Gilad’s adventure in the Deadside kicks back into high gear. The ebb & flow the book is sensational and the ratio of action to story is beyond what we could hope for.

     The interiors here continue to keep- me in awe. Doug lays down some absolutely magnificent linework and then uses the varying weights to bring out this attention to detail that is just killer. Then add in the colour work which takes that a step further and continues to be utilised to create more lines in the faces, bodies or structures and wow. The colour gradation, the way light sources are utilised to bring us shading and shadows it makes me feel the whole thing is painted, I mean hell dents in armour out of colour variations get outta town. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off Doug’s stellar eye for storytelling. That backgrounds are utilised as they are makes me happy as they expand the moment and bring a better sense of size and scope to the worlds.
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     Imperatrix Virago really is one hell of a badass way to be introduced I'm in agreement with Mirage on that one. Part of me wants her and her slave Syntilla dead by the end of next issue and another part of me thinks this is the greatest threat to any Universe I have seen and hope that someday she’ll return to extract her revenge. This whole menagerie she’s got here are some truly sensational character creations which again demonstrates why I love Valiant so damn much!

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Star Trek The Q Conflict #3

4/22/2019

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Star Trek The Q Conflict #3
IDW Publishing 2019
Written by Scott & David Tipton
Pencilled by David Messina
Inked by Elisabetta D’Amico
Coloured by Alesandra Alexakis
Colour Assist by Carola Borelli
Lettered by Neil Uyetake


     PREVIOUSLY IN STAR TREK: THE Q CONFLICT:
     After a battle between Q, the Metrons, the Organians, and Trelane puts the universe at risk, the legendary captains of Starfleet – Kathryn Janeway, Benjamin Sisko, James T. Kirk, and Jean-Luc Picard – and their crews are pulled into a contest where they act as proxies for the godlike beings, competing in a series of challenges to decide the winner of the war. Janeway and her team won the first contest by recovering the Iconian gateway device, but the games aren’t over yet...

     I still cannot get over the whole concept of this book and how it’s being executed. These four beings of great power come from the series and the encounters they had. The Brothers really did a number on us with this and while each of them is inherently flawed in their own way, their greed and arrogance pretty much know no bounds, they all wish to see Q put in his place. The writing and the dialogue here couldn’t be any better it is really rather perfect. Each character with their own unique personalities being juggled here is simply amazing, that they not only show us exactly what we remember but make seem like it’s no big deal and we see this kind of thing all the time.

     I am digging the way that this book is structured. The flow is fun and interesting and by adding these four beings into the mix of things you never know what is going to happen next and that’s how it should be. The overall ebb & flow here and how we see the story and the dialogue expand upon it and the characterisation is superb. I was curious as to how the mixing of personnel on the different ships was going to play out and as far as I can see the balance is much smarter than I could have expected. Plus with the twist they put into play here well let’s just say things have a tendency to work out for these Starfleet personnel.

     I have been a fan of David’s for quite some time now and the linework that he produces is always strong clean and crisp and delights in how the varying weights are utilised to cajole the attention to detail. These guys look like their television counterparts and yet it still maintains a perfect comic book style. Plus oh my goodness Trelane’s jacket is marvellous, which of course makes me want to have the entire outfit in my wardrobe. Elisabetta inks really bring that linework solidly to life and a superb foundation for Alessandra and Carola who expertly colour this. Seriously the colour gradation, the shading and utilisation of light sources are stunning.

     The brothers Tipton make me wish these were the kinds of specials that should appear on that CBS All Access channel. Can you imagine having the opportunity to see this come to life before your eyes and yeah animated would be just fine for me! I have always been a Star Trek fan, I grew up with it on reruns and bonded with folks over it so it holds that special place for me, while I am not an uber-fan I do love the franchise and this, this showcases why in a nutshell.
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     With absolutely stunning interior artwork and amazing writing with it’s story & plot development, pacing and yes the characterisation do make this one of the best limited series I have seen so far this year!

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Oliver #3

4/22/2019

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Oliver #3
Image Comics 2019
Created & Written by Gary Whitta
Created & Illustrated by Darick Robertson
Coloured by Diego Rodriguez
Lettered by Simon Bowland


     When heavily armed government forces come to London looking for Oliver, he decides to fight back against them, inspiring his adopted family of genetically engineered former soldiers to rise up against their oppressors in an unlikely rebellion.

     There are just some things that a boy has to go through alone. Unfortunately he has to do so while being hunted by soldiers who see his very existence as a threat to their own. Isn’t interesting that man’s first instinct is to eradicate those who are different from them? Religious beliefs, mainly those crazy Christians, sexuality, the colour of their skin anything that is considered different is a threat to those who are so insecure in themselves. This is me musing over the book so far based on what I am seeing and I wanted to demonstrate the fact that what Gary does here with his writing is draw the reader in and then encourage them to expand what they see in their own personal ways. I love when that happens, everyone will have a different reaction or feeling to what they see and to me that’s beautiful in and of itself.

     I am a huge fan of the way that this is structured. Whomever said there’s no rest for the wicked had it right, only I’m not so sure wicked would’ve been the word I chose. For while in the midst of a personal crisis, in his own mind-mind you, he’s thrust into something that he’s ill-prepared for and yet finds a way to handle it. I love the idea of instincts and finding that inner strength you didn’t you know possessed when it comes to character growth. With everything I have been through in my life there have been moments I thought I wasn’t strong enough but found a way and proving I’m much stronger than I believed. To see that in Oliver gives you this personal connection to him and that kind of relatability is truly universal.

     What can I say about Darick that hasn’t been said a zillion times before? The man is immensely talented and the way we see the linework being utilised really is sublime. This for me is the epitome of what comics should look like. The composition in the panels and how detailed it all is, including the backgrounds, have this way of mesmerising the reader. It is literally so gorgeous that at times I just want to sit and stare at it. So with Diego’s contributions doing some masterful colour work here the end result is simply beyond all others. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this master eye for storytelling.

     (I’m living in a )Chain Reaction (you took a mystery and made me want it) okay so a chain reaction or the domino effect regardless of how you see it the actions of one seen by others has the ability to change their actions thus a chain reaction of events, thinking and circumstances change the way people can be. Gary demonstrates what is capable as well as what is at the same time in ways that the layering of the story is so intricate, bound and overall giving the reader a myriad of looks that can resonate in our outside world.
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     An orphaned boy, living on the streets struggling to survive. Taken in by strangers and made to feel a part of the community, always however on it’s fringes. It is a familiar story and while it’s told in a new way, one that can easily transcend it’s original genre come to life in this Dystopian world. There is so much goodness in these pages and I’ve only touched upon a few so if you haven’t experienced yet than what are you waiting for?

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Stronghold #3

4/21/2019

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Stronghold #3
Aftershock Comics 2019
Written by Phil Hester
Illustrated by Ryan Kelly
Coloured by Dee Cunniffe
Lettered by Simon Bowland


     When the last vestiges of normalcy are stripped from Michael Grey’s life, he is finally confronted by his past in the far-flung cosmos...and the enemies he made there. Can the Stronghold put the broken pieces of Grey’s life back together before the terrors he battled in the stars follow him to our fragile Earth?

     When I was a teenager I found such a diverse range of comics when I found that companies like Dark Horse, Eclipse comics and others were making their way to me. Fast forward to now and with all the companies like Aftershock who are emerging as homes to such strong and interesting storytelling is making me as happy as I was as a kid. The diversity available through these outlets is amazing and with this book Phil has me going in a million directions all at once without Plastic Man’s ability to stretch!

     So far as I have watched Michael’s journey, which granted is small, and it feels like this issue is that point of no return for him. With what we have learned I feel all of that can be thrown out the window with the events here. I adore that Phil just keeps putting us through the paces as we wonder if this is the same book we started. Phil has always been a writer to watch because he plays by his own rules and his mind is creative and innovative in so many ways. The way that this is structured is utterly phenomenal as it encompasses so many different angles that are happening simultaneously and all of them reveal something new.

     So what is it about Michael that makes him so special, see unique? His utilisation of electronics is marvellous and while I don’t understand it there’s just something about seeing him with it that makes you want to know more. The sheer fact that everything we see wants to make us see more is exactly what needs to happen. The characterisation here is excellent and while so many are still shrouded in mystery and that not all are who or what they appear to be is making wanting to see them featured more almost an obsession. The pacing here is incredible that along with the whole story & plot development going on here could take this in numerous directions or none at all and I’d still be here like a dog wagging its tail.

     Sweet Baby Jane I cannot get over how stellar the work from Ryan is here. The linework is gorgeous, crisp, clean and through the manipulation of its varying weights to coax out this beautiful attention to detail. The creativity and imagination here in creating these aliens or the overall look of what these people, see and wear is mindbogglingly good. The horror and the wonder in what we see just keeps getting better and better with each page. The composition in the panels and how they are full of detail in the backgrounds as well enhance the story in ways you don’t always think about. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off such an amazing eye for storytelling. The colour work is gorgeous, the way that light sources are utilised so that shading, shadows and colour gradation can be seen is great.
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     If you are looking for you outside the norm of what we consider a typical alien invasion then try again because the uniqueness and originality of what I am seeing here takes this to a level that no one can prepare themselves for. This far and away one of the best things Phil is writing and considering how prolific the man is and how he can branch out to write literally anything that’s saying a lot. With Ryan and Matt this book really is the epitome of exceptional.  ​

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Little Bird #2

4/21/2019

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Picture
Little Bird #2
Image Comics 2019
Created & Written by Darcy Van Poelgeest
Created & Illustrated by Ian Bertram
Coloured by Matt Hollingsworth
Lettered by Aditya Bidikar


     Little Bird is reunited with her mother in a dreamscape where she begins to uncover the twisted roots of her family tree. Free after 30 years of imprisonment, The Axe once again takes the mantle as leader of the resistance and prepares to wage war against Bishop and his Northern Guard.

     I will wholeheartedly admit that the first issue took me by complete surprise. It made me want to come back and learn more about this remarkable child. With the memory of the first issue fresh in my mind I started to read this one. If the first was able to take me by surprise the way it did I had prepared myself the wonders I would see here. Heh yeah right. Once again these folks have taken by surprise with where the story goes. This has some revelations that I wasn’t prepared for and it makes me wonder a few other things that aren’t said out loud here.

     Religious persecution has been around since the Church was founded. Considering their own inauspicious start you’d think they’d have learned a thing or two, yet power corrupts and it’s no different for those at the Vatican. Still the portrayal of the man in charge of the New Vatican, on the North American Continent, is one who is rendered all too well with what many of us feel. The characterisation is uncanny in it’s portrayal of these characters and regardless of who it is and what their station in life is the way we can see, identify with or relate to abounds within these pages.

     The way that this is structured is sensational. Some stories feel like a story, others feel like a day in the life while others still may meander about. This one feels like a journey through the mind of Shel Silverstein or something, a place you love to go but never want to stay. We all love to be transported somewhere else when we read, it’s part of engaging the readers’ mind to go beyond what’s on the page, that spark of the imagination is something I strive for when reading anything so that I am taken somewhere. Darcy is a revelation as a writer to me and I find myself craving what’s next.

     I really am enjoying the interior artwork here by Ian and Matt. I love that we see all this linework being so integral to Ian’s style and how it can evoke a wide range of emotions. That it can be finely detailed or slightly esoteric and yet the eye still follows every last line and detail to understand the story all the better. It almost feels as if it were tailor made for this story too and while it’s Ian’s style that doesn’t deter from that feeling. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off this interesting eye for storytelling. Seriously check out the pages you’ll understand. The colour work too can be ethereal or blatant depending on the moment, mood, tone or feel that is being sought after. Beautiful, haunting and creepy this is gorgeous stuff.
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     There are times when you will find a story that has this unquantifiable feeling to it that just captures the mind, spirit and imagination of the reader. Yes the story is strong, interesting and has wonderful pacing to go with the story & development. It also has some wondrous characterisation as well as those twists and turns that keep you on your toes. With familiar themes in unfamiliar settings Little Bird continues to demonstrate the power of storytelling and the effect it has on readers’.

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