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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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The Unwanted Undead Adventurer Vol.1

4/30/2020

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The Unwanted Undead Adventurer Vol. 1
J-Novel Club LLC 2019
Written by Yu Okano
Translated by Shirley Young
Illustrated by Jaiji Nakasone
Lettered by Viet Pouong Vu


     It's been ten years since Rentt Faina, a down-on-his luck Bronze-class adventurer, set his eyes on becoming Mithril-class. Unfortunately, Rentt finds himself helpless when confronted by a legendary Dragon in the Labyrinth of the Moon's Reflection...and is summarily eaten. But Rentt has miraculously reawakened...as a Skeleton?!

     I may be new-ish to Manga but oh what a re-introduction to the medium I am having. I'm kind of old school because I used to read books like Area 88 so to see something like this has evolved over time and utilises so much of what I used to do, think and feel is amazing to me. In the early 80's when Dungeons & Dragons debuted I used to play with my neighbourhood friends regularly and this took me back to that time and that place. My overall first impression here is so positive and so uplifting for me and not knowing what to expect going in I am really glad the title of this one lured me in. granted I would love to have a physical copy of this but as digital comics go this was a very fast, smooth easy read.

     I am such a huge fan of the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is so incredibly well presented. I like the feel of being in a campaign while having the narration of the single character that starts us off. It is a huge boon for the character development that we see as well. Listening to Rentt talk about himself and his life and his adventures lets us get to know him in a way few people have been able to do, at least through writing. This is so masterfully written and when we get to the event that changes Rentt's life forever we see the transformation he starts to undergo. So the narration takes on new meaning and significance and it seems like time something comes up we're treated to such depth and layering in the book that blows the mind. The pacing here is utterly superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way we are treated to one of the best ebb & flows you'll find.

     The interiors here are gorgeous. I have such an appreciation for these black & white books which I didn't have when I was younger. Aside from the fact that it is hard to hide any and all flaws, of which I cannot find any, it also is able to showcase little tricks that are needed to fool the eye. Also there is one aspect of Rentt that we see throughout and I have to admit it's a hell of a job on what I am seeing. The linework is truly exquisite and how the varying weights and techniques are utilised show this huge talent and ability to bring to life these people and these creatures that engage the readers' mind and imagination in some wonderful ways. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a masterful eye for storytelling. How we see backgrounds being utilised throughout the book, first is absolutely amazing and I am thrilled beyond belief that they are so essential to the story, and how they help bring us this depth perception, an sense of scale and that overall size and scope of the book. I could get lost staring at panels just looking at all the attention to detail that we see.
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     I am in love with this story already! What we see, what we don't see, and how Rentt as a person and as a character is seen through the eyes of those around him is presented makes me shiver. This might actually be the absolute best thing you've never read and that needs to change STAT!

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Cosmo the Mighty Martian #3

4/27/2020

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Cosmo the Mighty Martian #3
Archie Comics 2019
Written by Ian Flynn
Illustrated by Evan Stanley & Tracy Yardley
Coloured by Matt Herms
Lettered by Jack Morelli


     Cosmo and crew have successfully rescued their teammate Orbi from the hands of the elite Venusian warrior, Battle Princess Shih! They also procured an ancient Martian Relic right out of Shih's hands... however, they didn't walk away unscathed. Before retreating, Shih shattered Max's space helmet, leaving the human hero in mortal danger! Luckily, Cosmo's eccentric science whizz crew-mate Medulla took immediate action and bonded the Martian Relic to Max's suit, stabilizing him for the time being...

     I love my all-ages books, I've come to respect the talent, skill and sheer delightfulness that they possess. Also while I have love for so many companies that produce them and produce them extremely well no one and I do mean NO ONE does it like Archie. This series in particular is extraordinary example of just how much fun a comic can be. Yes there is some seriousness going on here and okay between Cosmo and Max we've got a bit of Star Lord going on but that's okay it's what is hip and now. It does change the fact that this really is an incredibly well written book with layers and sub-plots and all that comes with all the elements we love.

     The way that this is being told is sensational. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold to how the reader learns information it's done beautifully. We open with the Queen as they have explain what's been happening as another sub-plot becomes revealed. Seriously I love the way that we are continually drawn further and further into this story with each turn of the page. The character development has absolutely stellar here as well. The kids will see things one way and adults will see more into the subtle nuances that surround the characters and all in all it is fun to watch them grow and evolve as people. The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the little twist5s and turns along the way it works with everything else to create the books ebb & flow. Seriously during all this madness we're going through it's books like this that you can get digitally or order through the Archie store and just forget that the world is crazy and read something fun, light hearted and adventurous.

     I am in love with the interiors here. Yes this is all ages work and can be on the more simple side of things however, the imagination and creativity we see throughout this series is like a dream come true. There is some great variations in the linework utilised to bring out the attention to detail and in some cases a little familiar gag or two along the way which of course is sure to bring a smile to your face. Bonus points for the romanticised way that Hesper sees Cosmo as well. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show some marvellous eyes or storytelling. Honestly I am extremely impressed with the way we see backgrounds here and how they bring us depth perception a sense of scale and the overall size and scope of the story. I have one thing to say, those rocket ship boxers are super duper cute! The colour work we see here is really rather beautifully rendered. Along with the way we see familiar buildings and such we also get this extremely nice hues and shades utilised in some most unusual ways. The colour blocking is superb and Matt really understands how to colour and how utilise his shades and hues in the best ways possible.
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     This truly is one of those books that can make a rainy day a sunshine day (I think I'll go for a walk outside now the summer suns calling my name) or a day in quarantine a heck of a lot more bearable. So if this isn't or hasn't been on your radar it darn well should be!

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Category Zero #5

4/26/2020

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Category Zero #5
Scout Comics 2019
Written & Lettered by Adem Kiamil
Illustrated by Ton Lima
Coloured by Derek Dow


     Things start to escalate as Sanaxus show just how ruthless they can be in their hunt for One Percenters. Maria and the others are cornered by them and desperately need to find a way out. Megan's true potential is unleashed when confronted by her father, we find out who Patterson really is, and Lenard Higgs arrives at the docks just in time to join the rebellion!

     I am sorry that I have sat on this but scheduling and life got in the way. I'm thrilled to be able to present this now however. I cannot wait for the next issue to come out either as the way we end this one with one hell of a great cliffhanger style which makes me hunger for what's next. These guys have taken this route that feels incredibly authentic to what would happen in our reality and it's this that is both exciting and horrifying to witness. Plus it is so well written with a lot of layers and sub-plots weaving their way throughout each other and it's just glorious.

     The way that this is being told is really well done. The story & plot development we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented extremely well. How the book is structured and how we see events happen to people as well as the way we see the characters and who they meet all has this really exceptional way of being. The character development is amazingly strong and as we see the characters cope with the circumstances and situations that arise we start to see more and more how they are forced into becoming who they are. Not to mention it's a conspiracy theorists wet dream come true that we see how this is happening. The pacing is bloody well fabulously rendered as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way. All of this works together extraordinarily to create the books ebb & flow is nicely seen.

     I think that this is one of the more creative and unique books that came out last year. Scout continually puts out some of the highest quality storytelling and it's more likely than not you are missing out on it so I highly suggest you contact your store when it reopens or now as things head in that direction and order this for yourself. Of course the Trade is available so that's a great option.

     The interiors here are gorgeous! I love the linework and how it's so nice, crisp and clean and how we see the varying weights being utilised to showcase this amazing attention to detail. From the iron or steel work of the stairs and the facility to the brickwork and even to the clothing we see it all gives us this great almost cinematic point of view. The utilisation of the backgrounds here bring us this great use of depth perception along with a marvellous sense of scale not to mention the overall size and scope of the story. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this incredible eye for storytelling. The colour work is beautifully rendered as well. How the various hues and tones within the colours are utilised to show shading, highlights and shadow work is impressive. I like how we see the colour blocking and fading or gradation effects really do make such a difference in how we see things visually.
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     This story is crafted so incredibly well. It is impressive in how we see the progression of an idea and how this becomes a reality we see is just something that's constructed so very well. It is scary, frightening and shows the blossoming of the human spirit in ways we don't always expect to see. I can't wait to see where this is going to go next and I hope you'll join me in finding out.

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Undead Messiah Volume 1

4/26/2020

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Undead Messiah Volume 1
TokyoPop 2018
By Gin Zarbo


     A pregnant woman is pursued by a supernatural creature. On the internet, videos of a bandaged hero surface. 15-year-old Tim Muley makes a terrible discovery in his neighbor's garden. Three seemingly unrelated events, all of which seem to point to an imminent zombie apocalypse! But this time the story's not about the end of mankind; it's about a new beginning...

     I have always had a complicated relationship with Manga. There are those that I think are stellar and then there's the whole Yaoi genre which baffles my mind even as a gay man. I was working on a press release for TokyoPop when I saw the cover to this volume and thought okay this is something I need to read. I'm a sucker for a zombie story even the bad ones, doesn't matter I will watch and/or read them all. So I was thrilled to be given the chance to read and review this one. This is truly one of the perks of doing what I do and it's bringing a whole new realm to my site in terms of books that you'll see.

     I really rather like the way that this is being told. The right to left style of reading comes a little more naturally have studied Hebrew most of my life, though then this also begs the question when did left to right change to right to left? Already engaging my mind in ways that surprise me and that's a great thing because this means that this makes you feel something. The story & plot development that we see here through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is perfectly presented. The flow that the book has in regards to how we meet Tim and M-Kay, learn about them, their relationship to one another it creates this believability in seeing them as real people and that's impressive as all get out to me. The character development here is phenomenal as we see them learn and grow through the circumstances and situations they encounter. The pacing is utterly amazing as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way while it showcases how all this works together to create the ebb & flow we see.

     I found myself loving the story here. I was wondering how this was going to stand by itself in the literal ocean of zombie stories that are out there. What discovered is a very good, interesting take on the subject and the raw emotional material manages to hit closer to home than expected. This is one of the best books I have read in a while and I do mean in any genre.

     I love the interiors here. The linework is absolutely stunning and exquisite to behold. The black and white style is so incredibly revealing of an artists talent and the utilisation of the varying weights and how we see them bring out this level and quality of attention to detail is phenomenal. The sheer raw emotion that we see come off the page is so palpable to the reader. Then add in backgrounds here and we get this delicious depth perception a sense of scale and that overall feeling of size and scope to the book. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us this amazingly talented eye for storytelling. The impact the interiors have on the story is sensational and that Gin does it all himself so everything we see on the page is exactly how he wants it to appear is truly a thing of beauty.

     If you think Manga is for kids or just full Yaoi books think again. This is phenomenal and while Train to Busan transformed the zombie film genre Undead Messiah is doing that for written storytelling. So I highly, HIGHLY recommend that you pick this up and see for yourself that this is a book you need in your life.

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Action Tank: Book 1

4/25/2020

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Action Tank: Book 1
Mike Barry Was Here 2018
By Mike Barry


     A boy finds himself on the other side of the Solar System and must rely on his brains, his courage and the advice of a mysterious talking unicorn guy if he wants to get home in time for his Mom's spaghetti carbonara. He does. It's his favourite.

     This is a rather unique book. It isn't like anything else you are going to see and the way it's set up and told almost has more of this children's picture book feel to it. Heck even a Shel Silverstein with the words and pictures taking up this finite space and leaving quite a bit empty at the same time. There is also something else about this that has you asking questions that we really don't get the answers to and in that I really kind of am fascinated by this. This is something that you may take a look at and no this isn't for me, I'll pass. Then you'd definitely be making a mistake because this again is one of those rare all-ages offerings that is incredibly perfect for everyone in the house. Or if you are single, then count nieces and nephews for when you babysit.

     If I am going to be completely honest it took me a few tries to get into this. I was in the wrong mindset and when I let go of all that and just sat down to finally read this it was really a glorious thing. The way that this is being told is incredibly well done. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented beautifully. They say if something is so simple that usually means it's the hardest thing to do. So to see this and think it's so simple and knowing how difficult it is to make it appear that way well yeah I'm two tons of impressed. The character development is phenomenal and you have to see this boy on his journey to fully comprehend just how much so. The pacing is sublime and as it takes us through the pages we see how all this works together to create the books ebb & flow.

     I think this is a gem of a find and it's something that I hadn't expected to be as just gosh darned good as it is. I know you folks have to be tired of me saying this but you need to check out artist alley at conventions and support some kickstarters because you aren't going to find books like this any other way, okay reviewers aside. You can pick this up here. https://actiontankcomic.com/about-the-book/

     The interiors here are beautifully rendered. The linework is great and how we see the varying weights being utilised to bring us the attention to detail really is marvellous. The creativity and imagination that we see on display here is beyond what I could have hoped for and it is such a breath of fresh air in the sea of normalcy that surrounds us. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us this talented eye for storytelling. The colour work too is incredibly inventive and pretty. The way that we see the various hues and tones within the colours utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is really exceptionally well done.
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     Is this a young boys imagination at work or is this something more? That is the million dollar question right there and it will be up to you and you alone to really answer that. Each and every one of you will experience something very much unique to yourself when reading this and yet we'll all come away with the same feelings and emotions as well. The power of storytelling that we see here is amazing and how something can be so simple and straightforward and yet so complex can be so damn enjoyable.

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Butcher Queen #3

4/24/2020

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Butcher Queen #3
Red 5 Comics 2019
Written by Jim Ousley
Illustrated by Ben Sawyer


     Once they find the off-outworlders' safe haven destroyed by The 88s, Syd Kiowa and her android pilot Rags hatch a plan to infiltrate the Overseers' compound and find a way for Avina's testimony to reach her fellow off-outworlders. Back in Black Star City, the Overseers' corrupt membership is shockingly revealed as Keres puts Black Star City on lockdown.....

     Good grief just when you think you've seen it all the boys throw things into our path that completely and utterly changes things. I love this story and even better than that I feel like this is the beginning of a franchise. I can see Syd and her cohorts moving forward expanding their roster and making a difference on this world they call home. I personally have found a way to connect to these characters in such a fashion that I hadn't been prepared for and now that we're at that pivotal point in this arc the stakes are about as high as my blood pressure got. The tension and physical reaction the body experiences while reading this is because of how well this book is put together.

     The way that this is being told is incredibly well done. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented beautifully. I really find myself lost in how this is being told, not lost as in cannot follow but lost in thought and wonder at what I am seeing how the events unfold before us. It is strongly written and has this amazing layering and characterisation that tend we weave their way into a sort of DNA strand. The character development is ever evolving and with each encounter and how they face the situations and circumstances continue to shape who they are. The pacing is perfect and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way we are treated to how this all creates the ebb & flow to the book.

     There is something unique about this series and the face they can put so much humanity into it utilising alien species as the catalyst for it is mind-blowing to me. Just the fact that it's easier and more accessible to show this level of humanity without utilising traditional humans works so much more effectively is almost mind numbing. Even then people don't see their own humanity the same way so yes the boys have engaged my mind and made me think in ways that are probably meant and completely outside the realm of the book itself.

     Ben's work on the interiors to me is very much both traditional and non-traditional at the same time. The linework is gorgeous and how he is able to utilise the varying weights to bring out this level of detail is really extremely nice to see. The faces on the humans seem to be much different than you'd expect to see here and the dichotomy between human and non-human is amazing to see plus the facial expressions and body language further the characterisation beautifully. The utilisation of the backgrounds we see and how they provide depth perception a sense of scale and that overall feeling of size and scope to the book is superb. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this marvellous eye for storytelling. The colour work we see here is divine. The way that the hues and tones within the colours are utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is phenomenally rendered.
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     This book continues to surprise and impress me at every turn. Just when you think you have a handle on what you think is going on we just get that thought smacked right out of our heads. This is the kind of storytelling that is light years ahead of it's time and it's something that should make everyone sit up and take notice. I love this book, the idea behind it and just how it sets things up to keep moving forward after this arc.  ​

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Bettie Page Unbound #8

4/21/2020

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Betttie Page Unbound #8
Dynamite Entertainment 2019
Written by David Avallone
Illustrated by Matt Gaudio, Julius Ohta & Pasquale Qualano
Coloured by Ellie Wright
Colour Flats by Sheelagh D
Lettered by Taylor Esposito
Letter Assists by Rieanna Bates


     The ultimate conspiracy against America has gone deeper than anyone could have possible imagined. Is there anyone who can uncover the truth in time? Is the end in sight? Is there anyone that can save us? Model Agent Bettie Page is reporting for duty!

     I have missed reviewing Bettie, and I hadn't realised just how much until I sat down to do this one. David's take on the woman and her life is so incredibly intriguing and has that whole air of what a true alternate history really is and is about. There is this believability and this complete fantasy that David brings to this that just makes any day that much brighter. The writing is impeccable and the way that this is being told is sensational it has all the layers, undertones and everything we want to see in something that will continue to surprise you time and time again.

     How we see the story & plot development through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented extremely well. I love how we see Bettie putting the events together as she does so that we learn alongside her and it feels like it's in real time. So the surprises and how we see events occur it all takes the reader along for the ride like a part of the story itself. The character development we see here is freaking amazing. How the characters speak, how they use words, how the act and react to the situations and circumstances really help to flesh them more and more as people. So yeah this definitely a more unique book in terms of how it's written and how we see the characters at least in my humble opinion it is. The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way as it works with everything else to create the ebb & flow of the book.

     Escapism is the word of the day here and it's what comics are meant to do, give you an escape from reality just for a little bit so you can get lost in a story. We don't need constant serious stories we need more of the kind that take us out of troubles and worries for a bit and that's exactly what this does, at least for me.

     I am very much enjoying the interiors here. The linework is superb and how the varying weights are being utilised to show this attention to detail is marvellous. With a team this large and this talented working on this I expect to see a lot more utilisation of backgrounds. Also this is a train so I would like to feel that enclosed sensation through the art. While the characters look amazing and the clothing and the hair are phenomenally rendered with the time period it just needs a bit more work to tighten up how the reader should be feeling. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a really nice strong eye for storytelling. The colour work here is really nice as well. I love seeing how the various hues and tones within the colours are utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work. There is some gorgeous work in the colours we see here for sure.
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     I love Bettie and the best part of all this is the fact that even if I hadn't known who she was this would have made me an instant fan of hers. I mean this is just the perfect blend of reality and fantasy utilised to create this alternate history were literally anything, and everything, goes. If you haven't seen this yet than you need to find it and check it out and order the trades for this run.

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The D Ward #2

4/21/2020

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The D Ward #2
Keenspot 2020
Created, Written, Coloured & Lettered by Billy Parker
Illustrated by Alex Smith
Additional Inks by Marcus Cripps


     Zander meets the patients and learns that there is more to the story than he previously believed. The supernatural make their presents known by creating chaos in the ward... The chaos brings Zander and the team together to hunt for those responsible, and find a few allies along the way.

     Keenspot may be a T+ centred company but I would definitely say that this is for everyone who loves comics. I am so impressed with the quality of storytelling they bring us in such a consistent manner. So while more than a few of you may not know about them or thought that it was kids stuff well this is the perfect time to check em out and learn that you've got some misconceptions. Last issue we were introduced to the series and here we see things tart to take off even further. This has the progression where each issue is better than the one before which is what I love to see because that shows me a writer who understands how to structure a story over multiple issues. I appreciate finding this kind of talent and it needs to be seen by anyone who loves comics.

     I am a huge fan of the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information are presented beautifully. I love how natural and normal it feels to follow Zander through his rounds and his day, more so in seeing him purposefully accosted while thinking it's his fault. What we see as we travel through the pages it really just makes sense and feel as if this isn't scripted if that makes sense. The character development we see is phenomenal and how we see the characters act and react to the circumstances and situations they find themselves in show us a lot about them. The pacing is fantastic and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way we see how everything works together to create the ebb & flow for the book.

     There is something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear, there's a man with a grudge over there telling me I got to beware. Stop children what's that sound, everybody look what's going down. This the soundtrack for this book in my head as I read it. To me this means that I have connected with the story on a few levels and that's when you subconsciously realise that. This is so well written and with such layers and interest factors going on that it's near impossible to escape it's gravitational pull.

     I rather like the interiors here. There is something nice and strong about the lines and then how we see the varying weights being utilised to bring out the attention to detail is utterly marvellous. We all know that I am the guy who constantly asks for more backgrounds but here you can see so many different techniques of linework utilised to create subliminal imagery in them instead of just leaving them completely blank. It bloody effin brilliant to see. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this really strong and creative eye for storytelling. Also I like how we see depth perception, scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the book. The colour work is very interesting as well. I like how different colours pop in different ways. How we see the hues and tones within the colours being utilised to showcase the shading, highlights and shadow work is really nice to see.
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     This just keeps picking up steam with every turn of the page. The way this is crafted and how we learn what's going on is phenomenally well rendered. The whole book is just bloody brilliantly mindbogglingly well done.

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Last Day #4

4/20/2020

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Last Day #4
Tidalwave Productions 2019
Written by Fernando Ilor
Illustrated by Angel Luis Bernuy Amaro
Coloured by Luis Maria Dumon & Jose Manuel Amaro


     A nearby island may offer Jot and Aurea's team of soldiers refuge from the rage-inducing plague ravaging Spain. Even better, a nearby facility may offer answers. Can the team navigate a world gone mad without contracting the contagion themselves? And how do the mysterious newcomers know so much about the virus?

     Ya know what, I love zombie stories and it doesn't matter if it's cheesy or stupid or hella smart the genre will never go away and its popularity will wane and ebb like the tides. What I like about this one in particular is that it has all the classic elements that made Romero's franchise so successful in it's camp and seriousness. These folks on this island and how they've all come together has so far been incredibly natural and it feels right. We see secrets from characters but not the kind that give much away and it keeps us invested, engaged and entertained. There is such a good, strong balance in what we see and how we see it so it really does keep you focused on the story at hand.

     I like the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold and how the reader learns information is presented extremely well. I like how the flow of the story and the characters enter and exit centre stage and how it keeps moving the story forward. The character development we see here is really rather quite good as well. How we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances they find themselves in and if you pay attention to who's paying attention you'll learn a lot about the characters. The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way as it helps create the books overall ebb & flow is amazing. The way this is structured and how it flows it really is one of the stronger books on stands and your missing out on it.

     I am in a unique position as a reviewer to meet a lot of folks in the industry and form working and personal relationships with folks. It is most definitely a perk and it allows me to have access to books I might otherwise miss and this is definitely one of those instances. Tidalwave doesn't get the exposure they deserve and you will have to ask your store to order it for you but it is very well worth it.

     In the beginning I thought that the interiors were more on the amateur side but they've definitely grown on me. The more exposure we have to something or someone means the more we can come to find great things about them and their work. So we might not get the best attention to detail around but the mood, atmosphere and some damn fine facial expressions help to really make things understood on “that” level. I'd like to see more backgrounds sure but I got to admit I am liking what we see and how it's in and out of focus at times pretty much like the world around them since the dead began rising. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this really good, interesting eye for storytelling. The colour work is gorgeous and I like how we see the various hues and tones within the colours utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work. Also the techniques utilised and how we get this really amazing kind of watercolour wash it just I dunno captures the eye perfectly.
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     I think this story is layered beautifully and has an interesting cast of characters that not only mix well but play off each other even better. That we don't know or understand what is happening any more than the characters do makes for some incredibly great reading. This is why I keep telling you all to look beyond what you are familiar and take chances on some amazing stories from small press companies.

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Le Fay #1

4/20/2020

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Le Fay #1
No Sleep/Evoluzione Publishing 2019
Created & Written by Marcel Dupree & Joshua Metzger
Illustrated by Miguel Angel Ruiz
Coloured by Vittorio Astone
Lettered by Justin Birch


     Morgan Le Fay was one of the most powerful fay. After a battle with Merlin she woke up powerless in the modern world. Determined to get her powers back she has decided to work as a PI for the Fay World in order to find clues on what happened to her.

     I have been a fan of Evoluzione since Marcel sent me the first book he asked to be reviewed. I don't get to as many as I would like to, at least in a timely manner, but I super stoked to be doing this one. From the way that it's billed to the reality of what we see this is their strongest title to date and it's an amazingly good read. I very much like the idea of taking THE Morgan Le Fay and doing something with her that we've never seen done before. The freshness of the take and the originality behind the way this comes to life will grab your mind and imagination so you become engaged faster than you'll realise. This is a great attribute to have obviously and I love the fact that this has me so invested so early on.

     I am blown away by how this is being written. The story & plot development that we see through the sequence of events unfolding as well as how the reader learns information is presented beautifully. There is this great way that the story, past and now that are being told that I appreciate in ways I wasn't expecting to be. The bluntness of what we see being said is refreshing and it leads directly into the character development. The sheer fact that we see who Morgan is, has been and will continue to be is crystal clear throughout this issue is sensational to see. I love the almost unapologetic way and manner that she has about who she is. Plus I adore Billy and the big bad we see here, who isn't the lead, just sends shivers down my spine with anticipation as the introduction of character is handled so incredibly well. The pacing is superb and the way it takes us though the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way really helps it work with everything else to create the books ebb & flow.

     The interiors here are bloody well mindbogglingly good! I am stunned and enthralled by the interiors and how we see not just the linework, which is exquisite, or how the varying weights are being utilised. No it's the combination of all those in the backgrounds and the faces with their facial expressions and how this brings us depth perception, scale and the overall sense of size and scope of the book. Plus it gives that extra layer of characterisation that words alone cannot accomplish. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show an absolutely marvellous eye for storytelling. The colour work we see is divine! The utilisation of the hues and tones within the colours that create the shading, highlights and shadow work is just dreamy to see. There is subtlety and boldness mixed together in some images while toying with the eye in others and it is an amazing experience.
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     The introduction of the characters, the way the mind is engaged in some mundane and others supernatural ways but when they all blend together in such a wow manner. This is the years Magnificent Obsession and you'd best be on your way finding out for yourself why I say this. The writing is phenomenal, the interiors are stunning and all together this really slaps you in face with how good it is.

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