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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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Mary Shelley Monster Hunter #1

4/17/2019

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Mary Shelley Monster Hunter #1
Aftershock Comics 2019
Written & Created by Adam Glass & Olivia Cuartero-Briggs
Illustrated by Hayden Sherman
Lettered by Sal Cipriano


     For nearly two centuries, scholars have wondered how on earth Mary Shelley, a nineteen-year-old girl, was able to conjure one of the most frightening and enduring horror stories of all-time: Frankenstein. But with the recent discovery of Mary Shelley’s secret memoir, the truth is finally revealed: Mary Shelley didn’t just write Frankenstein, she lived it. Travelling back to that historic Geneva winter of 1816, Mary, her fiancé Percy, sisters Claire and Fanny, and the celebrated poet Lord Byron, find themselves guests of the eerie Frankenstein Estate.

     A couple of months back I saw this in Previews while I was at my comic shop looking for titles I didn’t want to miss (usually from companies I don’t work with) when I came across this title. I am always a fan of the familiar yet unexpected so the company and title intrigued me. Then I noticed Adam attached to the book and that sealed the deal as it were, I added this to my pull. Honestly I forgot about doing that so when I saw it today I got excited again. Of course then I read it and wow okay yeah see folks this is why I am such a huge fan, supporter and vocal speaker, see reviewer, of Aftershock’s books because they take concepts and push them to their limits while exciting the reader.

     I like how this is structured. The opening is totally awesome and I wasn’t where it was going and it made me want to find out if this really is what they said it was. I like the way that scene was cut from the original so yeah. From there I think it is an interesting choice to go the route that this was taken. Now I am all for this style of storytelling and that whole finding something lost that no one knew about is an exciting thing to have happen to someone. I am a tad surprised however that we never learn her name and if she’s coming back to stake her claim to fame then I guess we’ll learn it eventually me I’d rather we stay in the past for the entire run but then again that’s just me.

     At first I wasn’t so sure about Hayden being the illustrator on this, I am not the biggest fan of his style and first impression wasn’t that favourable. I found the black and white opening to be stunning and then I dunno what happened but there’s an awful lot of lines going across the face here and then in some panels nothing in the face is filled in at all. Then something clicked and I found myself enjoying what he was doing. Maybe it’s because I was caught up in the story or I just got used to his own unique style either way it happened.

     The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us a solid eye for storytelling. Being the stickler for detail that I am I would very much like to see more of that in the backgrounds, and there are some truly beautiful moments too, specially when we see the estate up that mountainside and inside. The colour work is interesting and the darkness creates this exceptional mood for the story. The moment we see that lab it’s all over for me that was a total wow moment.
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     I cannot wait to see what’s going to happen next and how we see Mary’s life and experiences unfold before us. Intrigue, danger and all kinds of mystery surround the origin of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein so let’s see what these folks have in store for us with some amazing characterisation, story & plot development, pacing and interior artwork.
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Xena Warrior Princess #01

4/17/2019

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Xena Warrior Princess #01
Dynamite Entertainment 2019
Written by Vita Ayala
Illustrated by Olympia Sweetman
Coloured by Rebecca Nalty
Lettered by Ariana Maher


     In a time of ancient gods, warlords and kings…a land in turmoil called out for a hero! She was XENA, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle! Xena and her companion Gabrielle are thrust head-first into a mysterious adventure. Can Xena discover the secrets of a village full of super-strong children, before jealous and petty GODS get involved?

     Here we are again with a new creative team taking on Xena and Gabrielle, only to be fair this time it’s Vita who appears to be on quite a roll these days. Xena is one of those characters who have a rich history through the television series and through the versions of comics she has had, though some can be discarded while others utilised more fully, as the way of the world generally works. If this is going to be any indication of what Vita has in store for these ladies then I am most definitely on board the duration.

     I like the way that this is structured it follows a very simply formulae, it’s effective and gets to the point rather quickly. I like that the opening establishes that the pair have been together a while and that the world is well aware of who Xena is. The book also has a very nice ebb & flow to it where we learn that information we need at it’s natural time in the story and not before. Vita has a really nice way of being to use story to garner interest as much as actions does and somehow this enables the reader to feel more connected to the book.

     Aside from the fact that Xena was a woman who was infinitely more interesting to watch than that skinny Hercules she just had more going for her. She wasn’t stupid, hot-headed yes, and had Gabrielle to keep her in check but there was also problem, see mystery, solving with some great characterisation and all those Gods who kept popping up! She might be a princess who kind of looks like the epitome of what we consider an Amazon Warrior. Let’s not forget that she and Gabrielle have that relationship that went from friends to lovers which is a highly positive aspect of life in this era. Same sex relationships existed with both sexes and it’s nice to see that as a non-issue!

     Olympia and the work she does here is interesting. I have to say this is my introduction to her work and there are times I am extremely impressed and then others where I feel it takes are more traditional approach, but the latter usually occurs with the faces. We all know I am huge fan of crisp, clean and detailed work, that’s just my preference, and to see the backgrounds when they are utilised and they’ve got that amazing look to them it makes me want to see more. I do think they could be utilised more for sure and I am hoping that will be the case, to make my point you need to see the panel where we’re introduced to the Village of Sideros, more panels in this book need that treatment.

      Overall however I have to say that the way the linework is utilised through its varying weights is extremely well done. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us a very good solid eye for storytelling. I also really like the colour work that we see. The way light sources are utilised for shading and shadows as well as some colour gradation really makes some of this really pop!

     This is what I like to see. It has a good strong story, there’s no re-imagining or re-starting here it fits solidly into the Xena world. That these women can take the franchise and insert there own storytelling into it and make it feel like a natural extension of said franchise is something that I doth my cap to.
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The Source #3

4/16/2019

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The Source #3
Scout Comics 2018
Written by Don Handfield & Joshua Malkin
Illustrated by Leno Carvalho
Coloured by Marc Gerald
Lettered by DC Hopkins


     "Dark Secrets." The past comes back to haunt all of our characters when their darkest secrets are revealed. Barrett and Cate's blossoming romance is cut short when her "mother", Mrs. Putnam, reveals a devastating truth about her past. Barrett's mastery of the Source accelerates, but with this knowledge comes a realization that he will never be powerful enough to defeat the Few. With Barrett's "followers" now losing faith, a betrayal in their ranks leads Medraut to their location, threatening to erase all knowledge of magic from the world forever.

     Oh my god this is one of the absolute best surprises I have ever had the pleasure to read. The story is out there crazy and yet it fits into some kind of romanticised version of discovering you are King Arthur. Who hasn’t thought or dreamt that they were something more than they actually were? Some franchises do that, like Harry Potter more recently, and the legend of King Arthur has been in the human conscious in one form or another for what feels like forever and if even if this were just a story about a knight it would still be miraculous.

     The opening here is absolutely beautiful. The way that this part of the story flows and reveals information really is extremely well done. It is also a great example of someone using the “source” and being unstoppable on the battlefield. The structure of this is amazing to me, I love the ebb & flow of how information is revealed and the twists and turns along the way continue to keep this as fresh, new and exciting as if were a first issue. Also the way that the guys use the characters and use their personalities to really help the reader understand what’s happening as they keep the story & plot development moving forward is stellar.

     This is what happens when a publisher, in this case Scout, thinks that a concept is worth developing, which in turn allows the creators to really flourish. So what we see here is what comics should be, no micro-managing or saying what characters you can or cannot use in a certain way. This is why I love small/indie press comics the creators unleash their creativity and imagination in ways that are absolutely thrilling to see.

     I love the quality of the interior artwork here. This linework is so crisp, clean and strong in how it looks and feels. The attention to detail that we see through the use in the varying weights of the linework is gorgeous to me. Small details are there as we see right from the beginning and how colour is utilised to not only denote the use of power but to also create scenery and backgrounds as well and altogether it just enhances everything that we see. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us this amazing eye for storytelling. The guys work here is literally a pure joy to see, feel and experience.

     When you can do a story that covers this much range, this many different layers involved and pull it all off with what feels like a kind of ease is amazing. I love that we get to see so much humanity in these characters, failing, trying, the range of understanding all of it has this stellar way of connecting with the characters to the reader. While the premise is somewhat fantastical it is also something that people dream about discovering that you are indeed special and your destiny has been written making you a possible hero. Who wouldn’t want that?
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     The writing here is stupendous in how it’s the layers are told through the story & plot development, pacing and characterisation. Add in these strong gorgeous interiors and you have that perfect example of why I say Scout is home to the storytelling you deserve.
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Army of Darkness Bubba Ho-Tep #03

4/15/2019

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Army of Darkness Bubba Ho-Tep #03
Dynamite Entertainment/IDW Publishing 2019
Written by Scott Duvall
Illustrated by Vincento Federici
Coloured by Michele Monte
Lettered by Taylor Esposito


     Having just scored a victory against the nefarious Bubba Ho-Tep, our heroes Ash and 70’s-era Elvis take to the skies in the King’s private jet, escorting the powerfully destructive Necronomicon Ho-Tep. In order to keep it out of the wrong hands, they must provide the Egyptian artefact safe passage back to Elvis’ secure fortress in Graceland. But even at 20,000 feet, evil lurks closer than they realize…as do giant scarabs! It’s the penultimate chapter of the year’s most groovy crossover event!

     I do very much enjoy the way that Scott has been writing this thus far. I mean this issue’s opening is well past the I need to impress stage of things to get pique curiosity that makes folks to want to read more. That being said this opening is still mightily impressive and I do enjoy the way that we are being treated to this look at the King! The thoughts and ideas that we are privy to are excellent for both the story at hand, the characterisation of Elvis, of Ash too but that’s something else, all the while bringing us a better look as Scott’s talent.

     Also if you haven’t read the Bubba Ho-Tep initial arc then what we see here makes more sense and it’s damn interesting. The way that this flows is freaking amazing to me. To see Elvis in action here and to have this stellar opportunity for those myths about him, his existence and the way that so many people wanted to believe about him, to come to life before our eyes. Sometimes our dreams do come true just not entirely the way that you expect them too.

     I will say this much getting to see Ash and Elvis in action time and time again is something a true treat. After all they can barely take a moments rest before being beset upon once more but this Mummy wearing that Elvis jumpsuit. Yet while this is true nothing feels rushed or out of place nay it all feels as if it were progressing at the exact right pace. We really get to see some top notch writing going on here and to be able pace this story so that we do get the story part, the untold amount of action and well Mummy’s on a Plane what more could we possibly ask for out of it?

     The interiors here are nice to see. The biggest problem I have right now is the lack of backgrounds, more so because they are on a plane and by leaving the backgrounds so blank I don’t get anywhere near a believable sense of size and scope. This is a confined space show us how the action unfolds in one and creative and distinctive the fighting has to be. Not cheating by leaving them blank so that the action can unfold as wanted.

     I do like the linework that we are seeing in play here and how it brings these characters to life. Ash, his face and that chainsaw attached to him all come to life so beautifully. Then seeing Elvis with his muttonchops and performing his hand-to-hand dance, or that mummy in a jumpsuit. All of these things show off this wonderfully delightful imagination and creativity. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective show a solid eye for storytelling. The colour work here is nice to see as well, it has the desired effects and creates this creepiness without it being horrific.
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     The name of the game here is fun and honestly it doesn’t get much better than this me for me.  ​
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Aliens Resistance #3

4/14/2019

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Aliens Resistance #3
Dark Horse Comics 2019
Written by Brian Wood
Illustrated by Robert Carey
Coloured by Dan Jackson
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot


     As Amanda Ripley and Zula Hendricks deal with failing pressure suits and an orbital tumble, a Weyland-Yutani experiment unfolds on the surface of the moon below. A thousand kidnapped colonists' lives hang in the balance. Amanda Ripley Confronts Weyland-Yutani's nefarious Xenomorph experiments!

     Now this is how you keep tying the franchise together when the original characters are nowhere to be found. I love that Ripley and Hendricks are together in this one and they’ve quickly risen the ranks for me as some of the best characters the franchise has produced. Amanda’s mother may be my all time fave but these two are a hell of a team and seeing them use their intelligence and their ingenuity. Every once in a while we luck upon those characters who in time become as iconic as the ones that started it all and I feel in my bones this is one of those instances.

     It continues to amaze and impress me just how many different ways that Brian can keep coming up with ideas on how Weyland-Yutani can try to exploit these Xenomorphs. After how many years does one give up when it’s realised that they’ve hit something unachievable? That the company doesn’t know the meaning of the quit well that’s something else entirely but it makes thing for interesting situations. So long as greed and small minded men continue to exist well then we’ll keep finding ourselves here, or with a United states President such as it is.

     I will say however that with space being a vast and open place how we end up in the same scenario time after time is beyond me. While we wait for something new to hit us in the face Brian can keep doing what he’s doing and not stop because this is freaking amazing. The way this is structured is marvellous to see. I absolutely love the fact that the opening is as dynamic and unexpected as you humanly get while also showing us how human nature and smarts can be so god damned miraculously special.

     Jeremiah was a Bullfrog, was a good friend of mine, I’ll gladly sing the praises of the interior artwork here as well. From it’s first page through it’s last the way that Robert utilises the linework and how he can manipulate their varying weights is so utterly gorgeous. The attention to detail truly is amazing here and the fact that that as much time and attention put into the backgrounds here makes it even more remarkable. The size and scope to the story that’s being brought to through those backgrounds is absolutely incredible along with just how much they expand the moments that we see. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a stellar eye for storytelling. The colour work here is beyond expectations with the choices, the utilisation of light sources for shadows and shading. There is some beautiful colour gradation happening here as well.

     This is probably my favourite story Brian has done to date in this world and it has everything anyone could want. Action and Adventure, intrigue and thriller bits, deception, bravery and loss so okay no love but this is a science fiction, horror/thriller and it doesn’t need romance. The direction this is taking and how we learn what is revealed is the kind of stuff you think only comes around oce but in reality it’s just Brian being Brian.
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     With a strong premise, an amazing cast of characters who’s characterisation is on point alongside this interior artwork holy moly Charlie brown.
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Sweetie #2

4/14/2019

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Sweetie #2
Action Lab Entertainment 2019
by Sean Dillon
Co-Written by Steven Petrivelli


     Maggie can leap across tall buildings, take on a small army single-handed, and even dodge bullets. But talking to new peoples or making new friends? No way! None of Maggie’s training will prepare her for her greatest adversary yet: freshman year of high school! To make matters worse, there’s a boy at school who knows about her secret hero work. Is he an ally? Or will he spill Maggie’s secret and sabotage the next four years of high school? While Maggie is distracted by school, what will her recently defeated nemesis be plotting from prison?

     In the premiere issue we met Maggie and we had all kinds of questions about this amazing young woman who has trained her until life up to this point to become a superhero of sorts. The tragedy of her mum and the relationship with her pop are definitely motivating factors and they do mix the traditional origin of the heroes we know and love. Still is this a mix of youthful enthusiasm, training and being able to bounce back faster than an adult would—Dick Grayson did more than okay in his youth after all—or does she actually have some powers inside her? Maybe it’s just the way Sean illustrates this but I love that I think about, try to make sense of it in my own mind and have become so invested in this already.

     I am a big fan of the way that this is being structured. The opening is a sensational as to why and the whole set-up for it made me laugh. That was a beautiful display of writing and misdirection if I have ever seen one, and I have seen more than I care to think about. Just the sheer fact that we are actually seeing her go to school is something massive to me. More often than not school isn’t a place to see heroes unless something is happening at the school and they have switch into superhero mode to save the day.

     Where have Sean and Steven been hiding? This is incredibly good and solid work from them and the way we get the ebb & flow throughout the pages is smart, interesting and fun. That they also bring us what’s happening with that dude in jail and how that is going so that we can have those breaks in her day feel more natural is superbly handled. Then the characterisation here is marvellous, it goes so well with the introduction of new characters too.

     Now I am not one for the all-ages modern cartoon style of artwork and while yes this is all-ages this is hardly what I would consider cartoon style, modern oh heck yeah. I am enamoured with the linework here as it brings buildings, the teacher and other students to life with these great varying weights of the linework. Maggie on the other hand her very distinct look never seems to change and it may or may not become an iconic look but there’s never going to be any doubt about who it is.

     The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a great eye for storytelling. That we get backgrounds utilised as often as they are thrills me to no end as they do wonders for expanding moments and show that size and scope of her world. Also the colour work here is delightful and yes that pink in her outfit that seems to glow is where I keep thinking powers come into play. Griffen’s shirt is stellar as it really shows us this plaid in all its non match-up glory.
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     This is one of those stupendous examples of why all-ages books are labelled as such. I don’t care how old you are, what gender you identify with because this story you can share with everyone. Nieces and Nephews, Grand-kids, your children it doesn’t matter this is what family time and discussion at the dining table was made for.
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The Life and Death of Toyo Harada #2

4/14/2019

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The Life and Death of Toyo Harada #2
Valiant Entertainment 2019
Written by Joshua Dysart
Illustrated by Cafu & Butch Guice
Coloured by Andrew Dalhouse & Dan Brown
Lettered by Dave Sharpe


     The world-conquering campaign of the most powerful psiot in the Valiant Universe continues!
    In the present: Toyo Harada finds himself and The Foundation Zone under attack by a coalition of world governments, as one of his own teammates begins to turn on him.
     In the past: Toyo Harada escapes Japan aboard a fishing vessel and sets sail for the new world.

     Oh my goodness this issue is probably the harshest look yet at Harada and the life he’s led. I am so not going to lie either as Harada’s life is much scarier than any horror film of late I mean he even rivals Adolf in how he’s caught up in his own belief that what he’s is what’s best for mankind or at least Psiot-kind. How is it that these people become so beloved and rise to power and find ways to do more harm than good and yet no one thinks to stand in their way until it’s much too late? Well if you disagreed with him you usually ended up dead again hello warning signs galore.

     I think that Joshua is telling such an extraordinary tale of the life that Harada has led and how even as a boy he was thoughtless, cruel and was concerned with no one but himself I am finding easy to believe that he grew up into the kind of man that he did. The believability factor even with his psiot abilities is amazing to see come across on the page in this way. A very large part of the reasoning behind my thoughts here is how we see Toyo as a young man, child if you will. I am just extremely impressed with the level of characterisation that we are getting here. Joshua found a way to make him utterly despicable and completely understood, I won’t say likeable or relatable to but you can see why he is the way he is and that’s something of a feat in and of itself.

     I think the decision to have two artists doing the different era’s of Toyo’s life was onto something because both men are amazing illustrators and to see such diverse work is visually stunning. The younger Toyo with the darkness in the rain and all that mesmerising linework really packs an emotional wallop in my eyes. You feel like something isn’t right like it’s part of some horror film that immediately puts tension in your shoulders as you wait for that scare to hit you. Then for some contrast the sleek, futuristic present is just clean and vibrant yet foreboding only because of whom we see. I could not be any more appreciative of the work we’re seeing here. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off such amazing eyes for storytelling. The colour work throughout is on point as well and it showcases how different techniques and eyes can manage to really showcase how it transforms the linework into something so much more, like a butterfly emerging from it’s cocoon and no two being exactly the same.
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     I adore the fact that we constantly see Valiant strive to grow and change with the times. The depth of storytelling and how sophisticated it feels to me is a superb example of this. The way we see the story & plot development, the pacing and the characterisation in such cohesion is thrilling to me. This level of storytelling is also why I have such a thing for Joshua. Then add into the mix these interiors and mindbogglingly good. If you aren’t reading this because of being of leaving what your familiar with then there’s no hope for you, otherwise you need to have this story in your life stat!
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Ronin Island #2

4/13/2019

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Ronin Island #2
Boom! Studios 2019
Written by Greg Pak
Illustrated by Giannis Milonogiannis
Coloured by Irma Kniivila
Lettered by Simon Bowland


     Under threat from a mutated horde, the island is forced the cede control to General Sato—and Hana and Kenichi have a choice to make. Torn between protecting their home or standing against a threat to all of humanity, the two warriors find that their differences may divide them yet again.

    We open up this issue with Sato taking the Island party to the farmers where they were under attack from the very creatures that  threaten the Shogun and his forces. The same Shogun that Sato serves and under whose authority he’s proclaimed the Island his to rule. Now that we have our first look at these Byonin it is easier for us to understand why this Shogun is having such a difficult time holding his defences against them. So I like how Greg manages to take the opening and show where the issue is going to go from there. Everything that comes after is related to the opening of this issue as well as pertaining to larger story at hand.

     I love the way that Greg has been structuring these issues. The overall ebb & flow has been fantastic. The way information is released to not only the characters but to the reader as well has been extremely well done. Sato doesn’t trust the Islanders and they don’t trust him so neither is forthcoming with any kind of true information for the other. So it should come as no surprise at how we see the sequence of events unfold here. There really is the really nice build-up of tension happening here and it ties directly into that code of honour that they believed in, and ironically it’s something we desperately need today, to along with the lesson these two kids need to learn.

     I am not sure if the lessons in this book were intentional or not but they are there and they are spectacular to not only to Hana and Kenichi but for the reader as well. All things considered equal they live in a society that is a utopian dream that is being interrupted by those jealous of their existence and want to rule them instead of leaving them to live in peace. The trick for these two is going to be to learn to work together and realise what’s best for their people and not based on their ego.

     I have been racking my brain trying to figure out why the interior artwork looks so familiar to me. The work is definitely unique and it has this wonderful use in the varying weights of the linework and one look at Sato’s face and their armour will show you exactly what I mean. Now when I was little there was this old graphic novel in the laundry room, no idea where it came from or why it was there but I used to love looking at it, it was Pogo and friends. That is the emotional connection that I have to this work. Walt Kelly used his linework to create some similar imagery in those pages at least in my mind as I can recall things.

     The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us this strong eye for storytelling. Also there is a splendid display of creativity and imagination that we see as well. The colour work here is delightful as it creates these feelings and emotions that I don’t think we’re prepared for and the water comes across is gorgeous to me.
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     This is one of the rare instances where folks might not give this the proper look see it deserves and if that’s the case then y’all better think again. This is an exciting look a land, culture and vision that is both fantastical and in many ways what could be. The writing is strong, powerful and interesting and the interiors are warm and inviting. This is an amazing story so far and it looks to be only getting better. ​
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The Elemental Balance #2

4/13/2019

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The Elemental Balance #2
inZane Comics 2018
Written & Lettered by Zain Shenwari
Illustrated by Luke Horsman


     Chapter 2
     The Water under the Bridge title is an idiom that means to move on from the past. As the title suggests, this chapter will reveal Chloe's past. By now, we've discovered that Chloe is the Water Elemental, and now we dive into the events that transpired during her transformation into an Elemental.

     Last issue Chloe had a dream where she was killed in a mudslide and went off to Africa to discover the truth behind it. That is after she saw on the news that her dream was a reality. While her boyfriend says he understands and has let her go I am still hoping that at some point it turns out there is more to him than meets the eye. He is one of those “good guys” who seems like the perfect boyfriend, and yes I am a tad jealous, so I am hoping we’ll be seeing more of him in a larger role. That is just me however but I am going to trust in Zain and what he’s doing as we watch the story unfold.

     So this issue opens up with Chloe recanting the tale of how she became the water elemental and all the baggage that came with it. I do like how we see this unfold and that Vijay has literally been with her since she came out of the water until she left for Africa. So it is almost a complete origin story or the day her life changed forever, which if you think about are basically the same thing. However she doesn’t know why she or Baraka were chosen.

     The way that this is structured is really nice to see. This issue picks up where the last one left off and I love that semi real-time aspect of storytelling. I say semi because do we really need to see the entire flight or see how they even get to the airport? No we don’t so it’s semi and it works really well here because we still have that sense of normalcy and the jumps make sense, plus they are short ones so it’s not as if we turn the page and they are continents away. While Chloe is a stranger to Bakara they do have a pretty strong connection already which is seen as the dialogue and storytelling unfolds.

     Ah Luke, bless his heart, is doing some interesting work on the interiors. It is very much on the indie level of work and it has a somewhat funky and unique style to it. That he is able to bring so much into the panels by utilising the backgrounds is extremely nice to see. Though let’s make sure consistency is a thing to take pride in, the plane was missing those little windows, and I don’t know what it is about the hair looking so plastic like a fake wig that hits me wrong. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a nice eye for storytelling. Aside from the head and hair portion of the story the body’s look alright and Bakara with his rock ability I cannot tell what is hair and what are lines caused by his new abilities but the overall effect was nice to see. The colour work has some nice points in it’s use of light sources and shading that take the brightness out solid colours.

     I am enjoying this story very much. It takes on a familiar theme but it has it’s own unique slant to it and it’s being told in a very smart manner. With Chloe taking on a leadership role at this stage it will be interesting to see if that stays or not. Well with good solid writing and with interesting interiors If you are looking for something new, fun and worth the time you should be checking this series out!
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Faithless #1

4/12/2019

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Faithless #1
Boom Studios! 2019
Written by Brian Azzarello
Illustrated by Maria Llovet
Lettered by AndWorldDesign


     MATURE CONTENT
     Faith likes to dabble with magic. Her friends think it’s cute—and not just a little off-putting, but it’s part of her charm and her warped search for purpose in a world that makes too much sense. But she's a true believer and knows there is a power within her reach. She’s right, of course. It just took a while for that magic, that temptation, that unknowable thing to find her . . . In short—Faith is bored as hell. And Hell has noticed. 

     The much anticipated release of Faithless is in stores now and I have to say this is everything they were hoping it would be and oh so much more. This is freakin wild man and the build-up to that last page was literally a holy shit moment. Sometimes when the hype is big or heavily promoted the end result can less than what people would like it to be, Brian however is one of those writers that delivers every single time he launches a new book. The man is amazing at what he does and frankly I wouldn’t want to spend time in his mind even it meant experiencing how he comes up with the idea for a new series.

     The opening page in that old school 9 +1 panel appearance leaves little to the imagination and immediately sets your mind aflame. Whether it’s with desire is something else altogether but damn if it doesn’t make you want to see what’s going on next. It is sure as hell an eye catching moment and our introduction to Faith which I am not gonna lie, it shows us a bit about her and that can interpreted by the reader in a few different ways. So take your pick but personally I like that she’s modern, fearless and not ashamed of her desires.

     The way this story is structured is fantastic as the overall ebb & flow feels like a day in the life of Faith. She goes about her business talks to her friends and is warned dabbling in things with the devil attached, even though the magic Faith likes to dabble in is more earth based. Kind of like Druidism or Wiccan in nature at least that how she sees what’s she’s doing. How others see it well that goes to show everything is in the eye of the beholder.

     Maria oh how I love this work that she’s doing here. There are emotions, feelings and character to what we see on these pages. Her posse or those she knows if there’s a difference all have their own distinct looks and personalities that you can see as much hear through the dialogue and it’s nice to see. Then the introduction of Poppy and her sheer brazen attitude and nonchalant way of being is seen through her clothes or lack thereof. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a solid eye for storytelling. I wish backgrounds were utilised more often as this would really benefit from that. The colour work is nice a little flat at times it could some more light source shading and bit of colour gradation.

     I love how all this kind of plays out here too. From this chance encounter that leads to a day of unexpected happiness and tragedy comes something Faith never expected nor experienced. This will play out before your eyes and you will go through a gamut of thoughts, feelings and emotions as you think you have this figured out. Just remember one thing would you, this is Brian who is writing this story and it’s the original expect the unexpected.
​
     Plus that damn last page, excuse my French, Fuck Me silly with a chainsaw!  ​​
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