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READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

Johnny Red #7

5/31/2016

Johnny Red #7 (of 8)
Titan Comics 2015
Written by Garth Ennis
Illustrated by Keith Burns
Coloured by Jason Wordie
Lettered by Rob Steen

   As Johnny and the Falcons attempt to clear their tracks and make good their escape, a rogue German fighter wing threatens to shred their plans to ribbons! And as the flak gets heavy, Johnny discovers a secret that could shake the Russian state to its core!

   After having read seven issues of this I have to say this is now on my list of books to find when at a convention because i’m totally intrigued by this and what Garth has been doing. I don’t know if there’s anyone else around right now that can write a World War II story that has the same kind of human impact that he does. The characterization here has been exceptional and by using the mechanic to tell the story, as a first hand observer, so that the story is what it is and not a fabrication or “official” version has meant that we really do get the nitty gritty of what’s going on.

   The more we see Johnny the more I become impressed with his intelligence, tenacity and loyalty to his friends and squadron. His gumption and just presence is so gosh darn strong you can’t help but kind of get caught up in his gravitational pull. Seriously I don’t think there’s ever been a character that can exude this much strong personality, heck this the kind of guy Batman wishes he were. What Garth does with him through his words, actions and Keith through facial expressions cannot accurately convey how he comes across to me.

   Keith and Jason have made a dream pairing for me on the interiors. The flight and dogfights we get are just gorgeously illustrated. The destruction and the amount of detail we see in the skies is mesmerizing. The way Keith has this book flow through pages and panels really helps you get into the heart of what’s happening, the tension of situations or just the sheer anger emitting from characters.

   Sometimes I get so caught up in the story I forget that this being told to people. So seeing that short segment where they talk in his apartment and the now old man, young mechanic, was fantastic for me. You do get this whole sensation of his life and loss that comes across is superb. There’s something about his weathered old face that really makes quite an impact on me as a reader.

   I came into this because it’s from Titan Comics and it’s Garth Ennis, now i’m coming away with a whole new kind of respect not only for the men and women this represents but for these creators as well. This has been the kind of story and adventure that you do just because and then it becomes something you can’t do without and leaves you wanting to know more about those who served and fought for our freedom.

   Never underestimate the power a story can have on you. Titan Comics has emerged as a place to expect the unexpected because it’s usually extraordinary.

Afterlife with Archie #9

5/31/2016

Afterlife with Archie #9
Archie Comics 2013
Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Illustrated by Francesco Francavilla
Lettered by Jack Morelli

   Moving across the country, pursued by an army of the undead, led by Jugdead and Sabrina—the newly crowned BRIDE OF CTHULHU—the rag-tag band of survivors has unearthed secrets, learned new truths—and, amidst the carnage, Archie and BETTY have become engaged! But one thing still remains a mystery to everyone: How did this all start? Only one person knows the answer, and the guilt is eating away at his sanity…

   This is hands down one of those issues that pretty much sums up the relationship between Reggie and Archie in ways you never, ever expected to see. Roberto has gone to astonishing lengths to show us how the characters who have been lifelong friends feel about each other and in general the kind of people they really are. I am beyond impressed with what Roberto has brought to us this issue in terms of getting to the core of who Reggie is.

   While I had hoped that this was going to come with regular frequency the fact that this issue picks up where the series left off and it feels like no time has passed is a good thing. Still here’s hoping that from here on out it does come on a regular basis since this is probably the best Archie series to have EVER hit stands.

   The opening alone had me and I had thought that Reggie was on that road to redemption until the truth was laid for us. After his heart to heart with Kevin and then seeing the reaction to what he’s done from Archie, Betty and Veronica it really pulls at the heartstrings. There really is such a long and storied history between Archie and Reggie and not all of it’s been bad there have been plenty of instances where their friendship has blossomed and yes plenty of moments where Reggie’s jealousy that he isn’t the man Archie is has come into play. To get such an all around full view of this in such a limited time is a true testament to Roberto’s writing ability.

   That we seem to see Reggie finally admitting he’s human and wanting to be a better person was one of those moments when you start to feel something for him. You feel his anguish at what has happened and you feel his love for Midge during all this and the regret at what he’s done that has led up to all this occurring. Even throughout his tale to Kevin you want and feel Reggie needing to do what’s right and perhaps redeem whatever is left of the humanity inside him. This is some of the most powerful characterization i’ve even seen or felt while reading a comic book. You cannot leave changed after reading this.

   Francesco’s interiors here are just as inspired as the words seem to be. The way he uses the pages and panels to tell this story is utterly amazing to see. These characters have literally aged overnight and the men and women they’ve become through this horrible nightmare only serve to endear them to us all the more. When we see the ending and the ultimatum Reggie’s faced with it takes on that classic horror mythology look of an old pulp magazine.

   Please let this remain a consistent ongoing series because if this is what we get to look forward to, this level of storytelling then it can once become the water cooler talk it started out as.

Letter 44 #25

5/31/2016

Letter 44 #25
Oni Press 2013
Written by Charles Soule
Illustrated by Alberto Jimenez Alburquerque
Coloured by Dan Jackson
Lettered by Crank!

   Charlotte Hayden left the crew of the Clarke behind taking the Bowman to get close enough to the Builders to offer them a trade: a way to improve the Chandelier’s firing capabilities discovered by Willett and Kalani. Though nearly killed in the process, Hayden was able to convey her message to the Builders, who transported her back to the Chandelier. On Earth, President Stephen Blades made the decision about the 666 people who would survive the end of the world, while Ex-President, Carroll met with the Coach--a hitman he’d worked with before--and gave him a new assignment.

   So we open with the crew of the Clarke trying to decide which action to take next. I have to say I liked this because of how the characterization kept them true to their decision making. This was a very rational discussion and it went a lot more smoothly than I would have anticipated it would. Charles continues to surprise me with how does the book. It’s so super smart and well crafted that each issue is just a joy to read.

   Before anything can really be enacted the choice of what to do is taken out of their hands and the revelations that the Builders aren’t as good as they thought they were still leaves such an impression. The cooperation between the crew of the Clarke and the Builders will be essential if things are going to work out. This will however have the potential to change what happens on Earth so we’ll see if what happens going forward.

   Meanwhile on Earth both Blades and Carroll are enacting their own plans and it’s quite interesting to see. While Carroll is trying to act like he’s still in power and working behind everyone’s back to ensure his people survive Blades is doing what the feels is best for the American people. So we’ve got a lot going on here that if things with Clarke work out are going to have tremendous implications down the road. Again the way Charles is writing this is amazing as we see that the left isn’t aware of what the rights doing and to add to drama of all this we’ve still got Sonja and Major Drum still doing their things.

   So many different angles at play all seemingly working in their own space but the connectedness of them is abundantly clear to the reader. The tension this creates when reading shouldn’t be discounted as it really heightens the experience.

   Alberto has proven time and again his skill at storytelling. Just the way the book flows and this attention to detail and how second nature he’s got with the characters depictions continues to impress. The use of backgrounds to increase the focal point and help with the mood and tone are wonderfully done.

   I love that you can’t ever think you know what’s going to happen next here. There are constant curveballs thrown into the mix so that may hope something will happen but there’s no guarantee it will.

   This remains one of the most complex and solid books to be on stands today.

John Carpenter's Asylum #14

5/30/2016

John Carpenter’s Asylum #14
Storm King Productions 2013
Created by John Carpenter, Thomas Ian Griffith & Sandy King
Written by Sandy King
Illustrated by Leonardo Manco
Coloured by Mariana Sanzone
Lettered by Janice Chiang

   Duran and Beckett have seriously misjudged Lucifer’s game plan for Mankind and fallen into Lilith’s trap in Arlington. Not only has she captured the True Innocent in Ethan, she has used him to create the Anti-Christ and in the ensuing fight, disarmed Beckett and sent him down to Hell. Now he is powerless to save Mankind from eternal Damnation. Duran is a fugitive trying to keep Grant safe until Daniel can be released from Hell… and find his son, Chris, and get him back from The Barrens. Chris, alone in the Barrens, is trying to find a way home, and psychically guide his father on the other plane on Earth. Now that Beckett knows that he is the angel he has always been looking for, is it too late? Can Duran hold onto the faith he has only found through Beckett? For now, the world as we know it is gone. The new millennium has gone dark.

   It’s much too long since i’ve visited this world they’ve created. If you haven’t been following this series you are missing out on some of the most incredible storytelling around. Yes this is horror book, yes it has god, the devil and characters in between but the characterization of the people in this is some of the best around. From questioning your faith to your place in the world these characters have a rare depth to them that you don’t find outside a novel.

   Leonardo and Mariana’s work on the interiors is simply stunning. The amount of and attention to detail here is remarkable to see. The texture they are able to bring to the page is astounding and you can almost feel the scales Lilith has on her. The creativity that Leonardo has in creating both the everyday people and the demons we see showcases a magnificent mind. From ordinary and full of hope and passion to truly terrifying everything he brings to the book makes this one you should only dare read in the daylight. Then there’s Daniel whose visage is gorgeous he really is an amazing male specimen.

   This issue has a such a great flow where the story is concerned. From the revelations of the child and who he’s supposed to be to seeing the character face the problems they are facing.   That each person is facing something horrific and may or may not overcome that, hey read the issue to see what really happens, they are people and their struggle while supernatural in nature is something everyone can relate to.

   I have to say though that while I’m huge Supernatural fan this book blows the show out of the water in it’s intensity and ability to frighten the bejeesus out of me. This really is a beautiful meld of words and pictures to show the struggle between good and evil in it’s more pure, biblical, way and there’s definitely something to be said for that.

   Take a walk on the wild side and be prepared to experience something extraordinary.

Cry Havoc #5

5/30/2016

Cry Havoc #5
Image Comics 2016
Written by Simon Spurrier
Illustrated by Ryan Kelly
Ink Assists by Barbara Guttman & Miguel Montenegro
Coloured by Nick Filardi--London
   Lee Loughridge--the Red Place
   Matt Wilson--Afghanistan
Lettered by Simon Bowland

   ...In Longdon-- troubled monstress Lou Canton was drive into the arms of the mysterious Zeitgeist
   ...In Afghanistan--her shapeshifting comrades, chafing against their military escort, prepared to reveal their true selves
   ...In the Red Place--the rogue she-fiend Lou was sent to kill has designs upon her unborn child.

   We open up In the Red Place as we see Lou being tied down to a table as they are ready to take her baby from her. Now the characterization here is superb and as we see this bat-guano crazy lady as she begins to fill in details for us. I have to say I really hadn’t been expecting this but it’s really very good, by that I mean the explanation and that Lou is really nothing more than a means to an end right now. At least as far as these folks are concerned.

   That it leads directly into London and the time of conception is marvelous. Once again I love seeing how she grows and evolves through all this. Her whole attitude and demeanor is just this spoiled little girl out of her element, lost and alone trying to find love and guidance and it’s so well presented to us by Simon.

   Just the way the story flows from segment to segment as the words kind lead into them makes this issue the easiest by far to follow. It’s like this is the issue that really kinds ties everything together and the bigger picture emerges in ways that just amaze. As you learn the truth about what her comrades on this mission are really there for and who Lou can trust it just kind of boggles the mind. I went from hoping certain members would live to reassessing that and suddenly realizing certain events that have already been shown.

   As freaky as things are getting I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next. The whole concept of what Lou’s baby is should be rocking these characters world. There’s still the hope that the company that wanted Lou in this to begin with will show up in the proverbial nick of time but even if they don’t there’s always the aftermath/cleanup that will have to happen. Plus there’s still so much more left that we need to learn so who’ll be doing the teaching yet remains to be seen.

   Ryan has been killing it with his work on the interiors. The creativity in his use of the characters and what they represent, the myths and legends of the beasts they become, as well as his everyday people just make this super exciting. There’s so much emotion and feeling that comes off the pages. His eye for storytelling using the flow of pages and panels with perspective and angles really utilize the reader’s imagination.

   This has been interesting from the start but now it’s gotten to a place where we’re past that and into fascination as this is time we pass the point of no return in how we see this book. Things could go horribly wrong or completely right for Lou and that we don’t know and that’s a huge draw here. I’ve never been so excited by something I have no idea where it’s truly going.

Dreaming Eagles #5

5/30/2016

Dreaming Eagles #5 (of 6)
Aftershock Comics 2015
Created & Written by Garth Ennis
Illustrated by Simon Coleby
Coloured by John Kalisz
Lettered by Rob Steen

   Ironic and very fitting that i’m reviewing this book on Memorial Day here in the States. After all this is a story about the fight for freedom during wartime, and yes freedom here does have multiple meanings. Garth has taken history and fused that into this story to create of the most memorable and poignant series i’ve had the pleasure to read.

   I’m of the mind that once this is finished it should be required reading in schools. I say this because not only does it represent what one group went through during the war and what they had to overcome but the message between father and son as they talk goes so much farther than you could possibly imagine. Right now we’re fast approaching a time when there won’t be any more first hand accounts of WWII, the Holocaust and so much more so we can’t let the viewpoints and perspective of those individuals pass with them.

   Today it’s abundantly clear that history books are only shown what governments want them to. Increasingly society as a whole is quick to point fingers, judge and dismiss opinions that aren’t in line with theirs. The way Garth writes this story surpasses all that and it really is just utterly brilliant. The son wants to take action and as he listens to his father’s tale of his life you get the impression that he’s listening and seeing that perhaps in your face, demanding stuff now may not be as effective as he believed. There’s a way to go about things to enact change sometimes the process is too slow and unrewarding at the time but don’t dismiss it.

   The two viewpoints we’ve seen on display here just couldn’t be more different. Anyone who’s been a victim of profiling, gender inequality or just hatred for being different can understand both points of view here. This story may have it’s roots in the Black Airmen of WWII but the message is universal and as relevant today as it was then. There are very few instances that this holds true anymore and that this isn’t fighting fire with fire or encouraging behaviour that we’d tend to look down upon is incredibly important to me.

   Simon has gone so far above and beyond with his work on this series. The care, the passion, the attention to detail we see in every aspect has the same kind of impact that the words are meant to evoke. The air scenes are beyond measure in accuracy, the fear we see in faces as much as the resignation resonates with you long after you finish reading. The flow of the story through pages, panels in the perspective and viewpoints just leave such a massive impression.

   There’s no easy way to talk about racial issues anymore without offending someone and yet Garth has done it here. This is smart, classy, thought provoking, powerful and educational in ways you don’t see coming so there is no doubt in my mind that this is the year’s BEST limited series. With Simon and John’s help of course since without them the words would be just words.

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short #4

5/30/2016

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
A Spoon Too Short #4
IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Arvind Ethan David
Illustrated by Ilias Kyriazis
Coloured by Charlie Kirchoff
Lettered by Shawn Lee

   The opening still has us taking a look at Dirk’s life prior to becoming the Holistic Detective. This time however he’s at University and there’s been a spot of trouble, naturally these things seem to follow him around. Once again however the General comes a calling, I was hoping we see the moment he changed his name from Svlad to Dirk but we’ll just have to forget about that for now.

   This kind of makes me think of Dirk a different way though. I like his bumbling around and connecting the interconnectedness of it all. Him have psychic powers well that’s less interesting to me than seeing the way he goes about stuff. Though he himself denies ever having the ability to begin with it’s now in my brain, never to leave and to always see that in play when he’s working.

   Since they met anyone could see that Tamasha and Madluck had a mutual attraction to each other. So fully love the fact that Arvind did what he did here. Yes it was nice that Dirk was brooding on the past and talking to the pair like a normal person all the while plying with natural aphrodisiacs.   I do like the characterization here very much as it goes beyond what you’d expect and it’s kind of funny to watch play out as well.

   So the fact that these two find each other attractive and then finally figuring out themselves, with a little help from a friend, was marvelously done. Ilias did a nice number on showcasing arousal without being profane or dirty about it and that’s hard to do. I’m really impressed with how that came out actually. Also the way the love making is done here is equally as impressive that it shows us what’s going on without it being graphic so there’s still our imagination in use. Incredibly classy and well done.

   Then what happens well oh thank goodness Dirk is who he is because this is why we love his adventures so gosh darn much. With the adventure concluding next issue we finally get to see some of this start to make a bit of sense. As Dirk’s plan unfolds and his unknowing accomplices suffer briefly from the voiceless effect you could ask for a more perfect illustration from Ilias. The band, the music, the chase and the capture were so within the realm of character here that it was unbelievably fun to see.

   I can’t wait for next month’s conclusion as we see who, learn what and why these voiceless instances have been happening.

   That IDW is keeping the spirit of Douglas’ character alive and well like this brings joy to the world. There isn’t enough light hearted laughter and joy and anymore so this is a most welcome distraction.

Strayer #4

5/30/2016

Strayer #4
Aftershock Comics 2016
Created & Written by Justin Jordan
Created & Illustrated by Juan Gedeon
Coloured by Tamra Bonvillain
Lettered by Rachel Deering

   Sometimes you just need to have a little fun in life, forget the crud that’s going on in the world and smile, laugh and enjoy. That having been said may I present the perfect book for you to do just that with. While for people such as myself this makes me want to take part in a Dungeons & Dragons game but if you don’t play those then just enjoy the fact that these characters are fun, unique and in situations where their personalities shine and make this all the more fun to read.

   We open with a little history of the Domin, the creatures that have surrounded the caravan last issue. This is important so you know what the creatures are like and you can see the out of the box thinking that Strayer does here. I love that he knows about these creatures while the rest look on at him like he’s lost his mind. The dialogue and the way the action unfolds has been done to a T!

   There’s a reason we love creator owned projects and that’s because we get to see them form from the ground up and experience the vision these folks have. Though I will admit that this issue the interiors are letting me down a bit. They seem less detailed and more ambiguous as if the crunch of a monthly book may be taking a toll. There’s a lot less attention to things than I am used to here.

   This issue is basically one huge battle for Strayer while the others look on in amazement and dumbfoundedness. In this we see a lot great characterization from everyone involved from Strayer to the those watching him. It’s nice to know that someone can still further a story along through characterization while everyone is in one place for a set duration without having to resort to them telling you their backstory. Actions, words and dialogue that come from them here really does a lot more than you’d think it could. Kudos to Justin on showcasing such skill as a writer that he can flesh these folks in wonderful ways.

   I do like that Strayer was able to do what he does, though everyone else seemed slow on the realization of exactly what he was doing. Then perhaps this action he’s taken here will translate into the folks of this caravan becoming allies, I wouldn’t dare say friends they don’t seem the type but then Justin can prove me wrong. After all the way this issue ends the two are going to need all the allies they can muster.

   I did have to go back and look at the interiors and it does seem that we have a bit less detail in the faces, I keep thinking more along the lines of Calliou or a children’s book when see how little expression I get from the faces. I love the story here but Juan needs to step it up and bring something equal to the words in his art if i’m going to stick around for the long haul. Hopefully this is just a learning and growing experience for him on a monthly title we’ll see because he has a style all his own that’s great it just needs more attention when coming to the faces, dots for eyes and no mouths seem so amateur and wrong to me.

   All that aside this will make you laugh, smile and provide a brief escape from the day to day world. It’s worth reading.

Monster World #4

5/29/2016

Monster World #4
American Gothic Press 2015
Written by Steve Niles & Philip Kim
Illustrated by Piotr Kowalski
Coloured by Dennis Calero
Lettered by Marshall Dillon

   When the trail to William Forrester Jr. ends in a secret underground complex, Barrymore discovers that John Price isn't the only one hiding his true identity. The whole dark history of World Studios comes to light in a final confrontation with cult leader Boser Geist. Will history ever know the truth?

   This has been one of the best introductions to a series that i’ve had the pleasure to read. The whole concept that monsters are real and World Studios has been keeping a dark secret all this time has really brought back a classic horror movie franchise feel. Not only that but the character of Barrymore as the typical private Dick has been exceptionally portrayed.

   Not only that but Barrymore’s past in the war as it was revealed throughout this story showcases that it was no accident that he was chosen by Shirley. Yes he had the dame and yes he’s solved the mystery but at what cost? With his friend Buck in the know what we do have moving forward is that this isn’t the last we’ll see of Henry Barrymore P.I. So let’s talk about the final issue in this run now shall we.

   As Henry gets to see what’s what for himself and has to take it all in the sense of what Piotr brings the story is so beautiful. All these creatures locked up down below just really evoke the nightmares of the old world. He also is incredibly in sync with Steve and Philip too as we finally get to see Billy. The tension and startled look on Henry’s face just serve as a reminder that this is the kind of storytelling that we’ve missed as society has “moved forward” and lost touch with what was.

   With all kinds of incredible dialogue and revelations that come here it’s easy to see that the outcome had to be the way it went. Though while Shirley may have been lost to Henry i’m not sure that’s the end of her story. I could be wrong, i’ve been wrong before but I just get the feeling that she’s not gone for good. Still as Billy tells Henry the tale of what he’s done and why that only scratches the surface of what’s been going on here. There’s still so much left to explore and while Billy made a deal with the devil there are still those who know that are running around.

   Piotr is one the truly underrated and not so well known artists around. His work on Sex and now here have firmly cemented the fact that he’s one of today’s greats. His people are amazingly realistic and even the monsters have that authentic feel, yes of days gone by when you thought everything was men in rubber suits. His eye for storytelling through the use of pages and panels is extremely impressive. Plus the fact that this feels like that throwback to an age where men and women actually dressed to leave the house shouldn’t be overlooked.

   This is just what i’m hoping is the first story in a series of mysteries that Henry Barrymore will be undertaking. He knows now that everything the legends and myths talk about exist and he’s confronted them and lived to talk about it.

   This is the kind of series we need, classy, intelligent and full chills and thrills.

Escape From Monster Island #4

5/29/2016

Escape From Monster Island #4 (of 6)
Zenescope Entertainment 2016
Written by Joe Tyler
Illustrated by Carlos Granda
Coloured by Jorge Cortes
Lettered by Fabio Amelia

   For decades the U.S. Government has covered up the existence of dozens of species of dangerous creatures that have been captured over the years. After building a small, secretive city on a remote island in the Pacific, these monsters were transported there to be studied. In 2012, disaster struck and the island was evacuated. The mercenaries come face to face with Xorn’s race of highly skilled warriors and as tensions flare, their mutual disdain for the Elf Queen allows for the two sides to bond. Xorn reluctantly agrees to help Kelsey and Charles find what they need. But little does the group know it’s walking directly into an ambush.

   Halfway through this run and suddenly Joe is shaking things up as he reveals some monster characterization shakeups. I’m mightily impressed with how this story has been going and suddenly with what we see this issue i’m more intrigued than ever by the possibility that this island and it’s inhabitants not only never get off but the island survives somehow. Not only for a sequel because well there’s so much here that still needs exploration but because well gosh darned the ramifications for the rest of the world.

   How this issue opened up surprised the heck out of me, in a good way. Xorn showing that he’s not at home with either the humans or his own people any longer was a great way to go. Carlos and Jorge really do a spectacular job with the interiors here as well. The attention to detail and use of the pages and backgrounds really capture the precise feelings the reader needs.

   The conversation between Harcourt and General Chase gives me hope that not all is well with destroying this island. Something is going to happen here that we won’t expect and I can’t wait to see if i’m right on that note. Plus I mean c’mon two factions vying for control after a huge mishap, after a huge mishap yeah that’s a showdown that needs to be seen. Plus the carnage and loss of life thanks to the island's denizens well that’s just an added bonus.

   We’ve got two more issues to see how Kelsey and Merrick are going to play things out and in the meantime it isn’t like the Elf Queen isn’t planning her own exit strategy. Charles is a wildcard here I mean it’s been five years since he’s seen Kelsey and they’ve not exactly had a warm reunion as both seem to be keeping some really big secrets from each other. The characterization here is incredible as we see how they all are handling one problem after another being thrown at them as if from a ball machine, think batting or tennis practice. Gosh there’s one person here in particular who’s evolving character is just extremely extreme and it’s just a huge wow factor.

   I have to say the way the story flows through the interior artwork is superbly done. It gives off that vibe of mixing Jurassic Park and Alien as you have no idea what is going to come after you next. Plus with all the natural camouflage the scenery provides they manage to bring tension to a whole new level.

   Zenescope’s storytelling ability is at it’s highest point right now and if this is the look of the future than we’re in for more surprises, chills and thrills than ever before!