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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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Pestilence: A Story of Satan #1

5/31/2018

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Pestilence: A Story of Satan #1
Aftershock Comics 2018
Written by Frank Tieri
Illustrated by Oleg Okunev
Coloured by Rob Schwager
Lettered by Marshall Dillon


     The year is 1353. The fugitive Roderick Helms has retreated to a life of hidden seclusion after failing to expose the Church's role in the Black Death. But something threatens to bring him back into action. Something that has risen which will threaten to transform the waning plague into a far more darker and sinister crisis. And that something is none other than Satan himself!

     Oh my this is one of those series where alternate history isn’t an apt word to describe it. I mean the Black Plague turned people into zombies and upon recovering the Holy Grail it was used to reverse the effects and return people to their living state. Yes the Holy Grail was indeed a miracle worker only the Pope didn’t see it as such and apparently didn’t want the souls of the dead returned to them he only wanted the Grail for himself. Which is pretty much in league with how I see the Pope and the Church. All about power and with the Grail the Pope held more power than he ever rightly should.

     Frank’s vision for this is rather remarkable and how he’s able to bring it to life through his imagination and creativity not to mention skill as a storyteller or dreamweaver as it were. From the violence, destruction and blind ambition of those we see here come the tales of love, loss and utter hopelessness and it’s simply magnificent. The opening is stunning as we witness Cardinal Shaw’s last act, it is definitely something that grabs the readers attention and makes us want to see more. Dramatic as can be it’s what ensures that we want to see more.

     I do like the fact that this issue is also new reader friendly. If you’ve not read the first run that’s okay, you can get the trade, because this issue takes us back and does a nice job of reminding readers of what’s come before. So if you are an old fan or finding this for the first time this is going to be something you’ll never forget. The way that this is structured is extremely well done. From that memorable opening to seeing more of The Risen who are now led by Sir Richard Moore we see how the story can develop and how it will reunite the warriors three who are now the only ones left. The ebb & flow of this is spectacular and like the river Styx it costs to take this ride,

     I love what Oleg is doing with the interiors here and the way he’s able to manipulate the linework with varying weights to create some of the most fabulous subtlety so that the intricacy of what we shines through is amazing. The creativity and imagination he possesses is something that brings this to life in a way you’ll never forget either. After all it’s one thing to be able to realise zombies it’s another to bring that character to life making the shiver. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows this stellar eye for storytelling. Oh backgrounds that we see do more to expand the story, the moment and the overall vibe astounds me.
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     Well this book certainly takes a weird route but you know what I wouldn’t have it any other way. There is always a method inside the madness that’s for sure and Frank’s doing some black magic here and while the characterisation, plot and story development move gaily forward it seems like it just makes us want more. Honestly with The Walking Dead on it’s way out I’d much prefer something like this instead as the historical aspects and the multitude of angles in which the story can be told makes this something beyond horror, beyond historical fiction and into the realm of cult status.  

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We Are The Danger #1

5/31/2018

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We Are The Danger #1
Black Mask Studios 2018
Created, Written & Illustrated by Fabian Lelay
Coloured by Claudia Aguirre
Lettered by Taylor Esposito
Letter Assists by Jay Castro


     Starting as the new girl in your senior year of high school is never easy, and Julie Malliari is having a terrible first day -- until she meets Tabitha. After a night out at a rock show, their friendship quickly grows and, before they know it, the two form a band with their sights set on a record deal... they just need to win it in a nationwide Battle of the Bands competition. With Tabitha's rival keen to take the prize for herself, it's a battle not to be missed…

     I am never sure what I am going to get from Black Mask but I always enjoy it. This one while it centres on a the new girl and her friendship with Tabitha it also highly reminds me of the original Josie and the Pussycats. Maybe it’s the overall vibe and the dialogue and characterisation of what we see as the story progresses I dunno but I do know that it is fun, sweet and interesting. Fabian manages to make this so completely modern with the characters he creates and introduces to us and while it almost gives off an all-ages feel it really isn’t, Teen and up yeah sure.

     I like the way this book is structured and right from the get-go we are drawn into the story nicely and if your like me you’ve been somewhere that that X means underage at a bar. Intrigued by the way we see Julie at the bar texting to see where her new friend is while the bartender gives off that knowing look, poor thing stood up look, until suddenly she realises what the texts mean and she meets a boy! It really has a nice kind of slice of life feel to it and I remember my days of local bands and national tours from so-called underground artists, now the soundtrack in my head consists of Butthole Surfers, The Dead Milkmen and the Dead Kennedy’s, during my teenage years and this is something just about everyone should be able to relate to.

     Fabian creates a wonderful ebb & flow to the story and even the backstory about how Julie and Tabitha meet which leads right up to the bar yeah it all flows. Actually that two page spread is so spot on and gives us so much information, much of which we already knew about since being the new kid is never easy, so we have a better understanding of how excited Julie is to make a friend like Tabitha. That she was happy to meet a boy made me happy because it’s nice to see a straight girl for a change heh. Though a gay male couple would’ve been nice.

     The interior artwork really is an all-ages style and it’s quite lovely. I like the fashion sense that we see it’s completely modern and hip, if that’s still a word people use. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a solid eye for storytelling. While I would like to see more backgrounds being utilised at least they aren’t stark white. I am actually rather impressed with the work being done here from the linework to the colours it all has this delightful effect and feels right.
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     The way that a new band is formed and how we see them all come together as well as learning how the mean girl Logan feels about all this well suddenly We Are The Danger is formed and is out to make a name for themselves despite whatever bullying attempts Logan is going to make. This is cute, fun and feels like what we want in a modern take on Josie and the Pussycats or Jem and the Holograms which is the genre this finds itself in.

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2021: Lost Children #1

5/31/2018

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2021: Lost Children #1
Statix Press/Titan Comics 2018
Written by Stephane Betbeder
Illustrated by Stephane Bervas
Coloured by Massimo Rocca
Translated by Jessica Burton


    It’s 2021. Detroit has seceded from the United States and its citizens are under the control of a madman with extraordinary abilities. The only hope of retaking the city lies with four super powered children. But their powers come with a price – using them means ageing prematurely. Can they save the city before their powers use up their lives?

     So first impressions are everything and it’s what makes a reader either put the book down or keep flipping through. So the opening here is utterly fantastic it’s got army people, high tech assault ready and some of the most amazingly detailed artwork. I will be honest I was kind of taken by surprise with this one and when I saw it was released this week I had to google it to see what it was about, and if I would want to review it. So the premise (above) sounded interesting and it’s from Statix and Titan which means European creators and I was gung ho!

     Stephane’s writing here is really very good and I like how this is structured. From the advance of the invading forces to seeing the citizens of Detroit hiding and then contact which sets off that chain reaction which then flows throughout the issue. I think all the elements here that are used to keep the story moving forward are used with an expertise that is nice to see. There is also an incredibly nice working relationship between the two Stephane’s which makes for a beautiful story. The dialogue is used pretty exclusively to tell the story which then makes the characters their actions and reactions what moves everything. It really is an exceptionally good way of telling the story and it’s executed flawlessly.

     I like that we focus on the kids who in my opinion have a very strong Akira vibe. Kids, psychic powers and anger management issues, yeah it has that feel to it without even coming close to being an homage or a take on it. There’s just something about it that makes see it and while it has that vibe for me it also has it’s own unique look, tone and feel that make it this incredibly different and odd story that will pull you in and leave you wanting more. The characterisation is amazing to see and I like how we are able to identify the characters and what function they perform as well as make you question a few things that is happening.

     Now the interiors here are stunning. The attention to detail as we see being used through the manipulation of the varying weights in the linework is a sight to behold. There is an intricacy to some of this that you almost overlook in the backgrounds that really are beautiful. The sense of movement and the idea of feelings, emotions and being harried shine through the work here. The utilisation of page layouts is brilliant and the angles and perspective we see in the panels shows off one of the best eyes for storytelling that I've seen. Throw in Massimo’s colouring, use of light sources and the over effects he brings through his finishing ad it’s all pretty amazing when it coalesces.

     So I like the idea that Detroit, of all places, cedes from the United States and with outdated technology and little in the way of resources has a warlord of its own running things. His connection to the mysterious Father and Father’s relationship to the United States all seem connected and a point of contention which fuels the desire to know more. It is like the more we learn the ore we want to know it’s a vicious cycle.

      Then there are these kids who age as they use their abilities and are sent in to be assassin’s of said warlord. It is most certainly one of the most interesting plot-lines going on here and the way it’s handled is spectacular. I was afraid it would be creepy or wrong, and it kind of is but it’s done in such a way that you are fascinated by the prospect of them.
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     Smart, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable this is just a continuing reason why I keep telling everyone to read more European based work. This level of storytelling should be the standard in comics.

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Aquaman Jabberjaw #1

5/31/2018

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Aquaman -Jabberjaw #1
DC Comics/Hanna Barbera 2018
Written by Dan Abnett
Pencilled by Paul Pelletier
Inked by Andrew Hennessy
Coloured by Rain Beredo
Lettered by Carlos Mangual


     When the town of Amnesty Island is besieged by a series of shark attacks, authorities call Aquaman for help! What’s unusual about this case is that the shark isn’t trying to kill people—he just wants to talk to them. The very confused Jabberjaw needs to get back to Aqualand, the future undersea utopia where he came from. But that peaceful city where man and sentient sea life have been living in harmony has been turned into a dystopian nightmare created by a new Ocean Master. Now the King of Atlantis and his friendly shark ally have to team up to set things right!

     First of all God Bless them all for this because it really blends the essence of the cartoon with what DC has done with the other Hanna Barbera properties in making them more realistic. For those of us who grew up on these cartoons I immediately fell into the voice of Jabberjaw when I read his dialogue and his signature phrase ala Rodney Dangerfield. Dan does what I consider an outstanding job on this issue keeping all the characters personalities intact and recognisable.

     The way this is structured is superb and the opening yeah that’s a classic that will never get old though it does have a very distinct twist. It never really hit me till I read this book that Amnesty and Amitty were so darn similar and it makes me wonder if this was as intentional as it appears. Still even if it’s not it is so well played it almost gave me the chills. While Arthur never gets any respect either that he and Jabberjaw would meet and it be done in just this way is perhaps the greatest gift of all. Also it has shades of Deep Blue Sea to it that make it a remarkable twist of fate that the two should get together.

     The dialogue is superb and it’s easy to see why and how Hanna Barbera used this formulae time and again with varying results. Still Jabberjaw encounters Aquaman the two team up and suddenly it’s like the cartoon come to life as a live action film, which by the way I would pay money to see. I think one of the better parts of this is when Dan infuses the humour that is so necessary to the cartoon into the dialogue. It has all that charm and wonder that makes us feel like kids again and get excited like it’s Saturday morning, the only morning that getting up at 6am wasn’t a problem.

     Paul, Andrew and Rain’s work on the interiors here is beyond marvellous! The attention to detail and the realism is sublime stuff as we see the manipulation of the linework through it’s varying weights to create all the intricacy in making this feel believable. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective shows Paul’s stellar eye for storytelling. The utilisation of the backgrounds and the species we see let the imagination and creativity unleashed thrill everyone.

     So Aqualand and Sealab 2020 are utilised here in ways that I really like. Yes they come at a price and in today’s world it’s a shockingly stark reminder of how humans behave. Still that’s part of what makes this work and why the kids have such a mission of unifying humans and sea life to work in harmony together. If you ever doubted that Jabberjaw could be relevant again then you need to see this.

     Personally I am ready for an ongoing monthly series for Jabberjaw and the Neptunes the same way we saw the Flintstones, though leave Jabberjaw exactly the way he is here. There is a certain kind of magic in these pages that shouldn’t be ignored or forgotten.

     Then if you really want another treat the Captain Caveman back up story by Jeff Parker, Scott Kolins and Dave McCaig will delight you.  This is a shocking new take on the character that can tie him into the DC universe in ways you'll never expect!


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Blackwood #1

5/30/2018

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Blackwood #1
Dark Horse Comics 2018
Written by Evan Dorkin
Illustrated by Veronica Fish
Layouts & Lettering by Andy Fish


      When four teenagers with haunted pasts enrol in Blackwood College--a school that trains students in the occult--their desire to enhance their supernatural abilities and bond with others is hampered by an undead dean's curse, ghosts in their dorm, a mischievous two-headed mummy-chimp, a plague of mutant insects, and the discovery of an ancient evil that forces our heroes to undergo a crash course in the occult for the sake of the world.

     Holy mackerel I don’t know what I was expecting but this is so far beyond anything I could have dreamed of or hoped for. Every single thing about this issue took me there and in all honesty I not only don’t want to leave I want a haunted past and a place in that attic room! While we’ve seen things like this in the past we’ve never encountered it quite like this it feels like Gotham Academy and House of Anubis were duelling over Mystik U. There is an undeniable presence about the book from the first page that begs nee demands your attention.

     Evan has achieved something that I don’t I have seen much of lately and that’s he starts the book with such a strange, ominous and starkly frightening opening and manages to maintain the readers level of excitement, tension and enthusiasm right through the last page. The way that this is structured is utterly brilliant and as it flows through it’s pages and we are introduced to the characters there are slight clues as to what is forthcoming. I haven’t been this intrigued and enchanted by a single first issue that I have ever read and doubt I will find one like it again any time soon.

     So I am very much intrigued and thrilled by the whole idea of the dreams and the kids having them. It is like some kind of psychic connection and as we come to realise it’s why they were chosen not only to live in the attic, which by the way is a dorm suite and half which would make anyone wanting to live in a loft hella jealous, together but are there on full scholarships as well. Evan manages to weave in a few aspects of the story into what we see here and there so that they are like Easter eggs that provide what it is that could happen or could be revealed or simply that of importance for down the road.

     Veronica blew me outta the water with this issue. The attention to detail in this was beyond sublime and the way she manipulates the linework through all these varying weights to create moments that are so intricate and so essential to the story is so good there aren’t adequate words to describe them. The Headmaster’s office that Blackboard these are things that you can experience and relate to another and do it justice. Then there’s the people and their uniqueness and the vibrancy and life they exude yeah it’s pretty darn special. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows us just how darn good her eye for storytelling is. The creativity and imagination on display here is awe inspiring.
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     The pacing of this story is fantastic and how we see the kids deal with everything thrown at them on their first night only gives me hope that the entire story will be like this. This my friends I can say without hesitation, welcome to the Summer’s biggest hit series that will be on everyone’s lips.

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Geek-Girl vol.2 #1

5/30/2018

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Geek-Girl Vol.2 #1
Markosia 2018
Written by Sam Johnson
Illustrated by Carlos Granda
Coloured by Chunlin Zhao
Lettered by Paul McLaren


     After 'Little Miss Popular' Ruby Kaye landed a pair of power-inducing super-tech glasses from her college's resident brainiac, Ruby alienated the majority of her clique while klutzily trying to demonstrate her newfound abilities – accidentally knocking drinks over their expensive designer dresses. Her BFF Summer James was into what Ruby could do now, though – and pushed her into trying to be a super-hero – jokily giving her the moniker 'Geek-Girl,' following her actions. In a desperate fight to save her city of Maine from mysterious new villain Lightning Storm, Ruby gave her all... and neither she nor Lightning Storm were left standing... Now, new-crooks-on-block The League of Larcenists look to grow in number and capitalize on the hole in law enforcement left by Lightning Storm. And in Ruby's absence, Summer has picked up the glasses and taken on the mantle of Geek-Girl...

Alright folks it makes me really happy to see volume up and running and that Markosia believes in it like I do. From this issue alone I see how Sam’s writing ability has grown stronger and more confident not to mention how he’s structuring the book and the ease of how it flows through it’s pages. This is what I always talk about you see the potential in someone’s work and then watch it grow and blossom into something strong and beautiful.

Honestly at first I hadn’t realised what was happening here until I realised that Ruby wasn’t this Geek-Girl. So if you are returning for this volume, which why wouldn’t you be, there’s a perfect refresher and for those that are finding this for the first time then it’s a great jumping on point. There’s enough backstory and information given so that we can be completely up to date with everything that’s going on here. I think that from all angles the way Sam approached it is extremely well done and makes for one of the better first issues of any volume.

     The characterisation is incredible to see as the use of dialogue and situations are aptly able to define the characters. I like that Ruby has visitors in the hospital though they are still bitches at least they care, vapid creatures have a soft side but it’s more the support of Ruby that impressed me. Plus Summer is now donning the costume while Ruby recuperates, hopefully, and when she comes to the hospital it’s nice to see the girls trying to freeze her out keeping up appearances after all is everything right?

     The interiors are incredibly delightful and I some ways remind me of Todd Nauck’s work from his creator owned Wildguard. So I am honestly loving how it comes together here and the style is classic in so many ways that it perfectly lends itself to the book. Carlos uses the varying weight of the linework to create this attention to detail that kind makes you comfortable and easily a part of the story. The utilisation of the page layouts with how we see the angles and perspective showcase a very nice solid eye for storytelling. Backgrounds are utilised well and do what they should and that’s expand the moments, expand the world and enhance the scenes.

     Pit Bull and Geek-Girl have their thing going on and while I am on the fence with him, how he acts and how he comes across, he’s right about one thing and it’s not something we want to think about.  Also his portrayal makes me want a mini-series of his won so i can get to know him better.   I am honestly so very impressed with the writing, dialogue, story & plot development as we see Sam’s vision of this city Maine and what he wants us to see. Add to that these great interiors and you need to know that this is what you should be reading from Markosia and it's available at www.geekgirlcomics.com and Comixology..
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     Forget the ordinary and step into the Geek-Girl world for fun and adventure!  

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The Last Siege #1

5/30/2018

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The Last Siege #1
Image Comics 2018
Written by Landry Q. Walker
Illustrated by Justin Greenwood
Coloured by Eric Jones
Lettered by Patrick Brosseau


     After years of war, the lords of the West have fallen to a cruel king—a warlord from across the sea. Now the king has sent his most brutal knights to claim the remaining free provinces. These territories fall quickly—most agreeing to terms of peace rather than risk further war, as they have been left defenceless and weak after years of strife. Only one house remains—a small castle on the distant coast, whose ruler fell during the final battle.

     Well we all know that I am fan of these books that are unique in the aspect that they combine what’s already been and create something new. Kings, castles and knights oh my it is the stuff where legends were made and we still dream of fighting dragons alongside wizards and those of the table round. So add into that a Spaghetti Western sensibility with a Game of Thrones harshness and suddenly it’s a brand new world. This is the kind of storytelling where Landry’s imagination and creativity as a storyteller is just as important and amazing as his ability to put the words to paper.

     Landry is an excellent storyteller, see Danger Club for a prime example, and it’s always fun to see what he has in store. The way this book is structured is amazingly well done and from the silent opening with the feel of doom and gloom to the last page that has an almost righteous air to it this is the kind of book that will stay with you, leave you pondering and definitely desiring more. It has this element of mystery to it as well that I find unexpected and full of that certain something which it doesn’t really need but then adds something immeasurable.

     I adore the fact that these two men, advisors to the now deceased Lord Aedon, talk of Lady Cathryn as if she were nothing more than a bargaining chip. The Bishop is a pig of a man and he’s one to really dislike as I see no redeeming qualities to him. He’s a bureaucrat and one from the Church therefore doubly despicable still with Chancery Bryce to see reason and logic and actually about the Lady and this town well there’s hope. The characterisation here is impeccable and it’s not hard to see who’s who and where they fit in and even the young Lady Cathryn we learn about through others and she’s going to be one to watch.

     Justin’s work is another great thing to me, I’ve seen him on some great books from Stringers, Stumptown and even Ghost Town and to see him bring this unique style to these pages is utterly sensational. There are a number of pages where his work is what stands out and along with Eric really do more to tell and advance the story than you could imagine. The utilisation of the page layouts and how that continues the movement of the angles and perspective we see in the panels shows such a spectacular eye for storytelling. The outdoor scenes have less backgrounds being utilised and when we do see them they are splendid and make things seem much larger than they are. I love the way the varying weights of the linework are manipulated to show the attention detail or of the rain and how it all comes together.
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     This has all the intrigue that we saw in the Tudors as well as in Game of Thrones so the violence and politics go hand in hand and it’s so well weaved it’s almost mesmerising. You’ll definitely get swept up in how this is being told from the words to the visuals this will be your new guilty pleasure!

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Shadowman #3

5/30/2018

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Shadowman #3
Valiant Entertainment 2018
Written by Andy Diggle
Illustrated by Stephen Segovia & Adam Pollina
Coloured by Ulises Arreola & David Baron
Lettered by Simon Bowland


     After finding his way back home, Jack has come face-to-face with an old adversary who has taken up residence in New Orleans -- the deadly loa, Baron Samedi. In an attempt to rid the spirit from his home, Jack and his closest friend and ally, Alyssa Myles, fought against the Baron’s minions --a fight that ended with Jack being dragged back into the Deadside…

     I have no idea why we had to wait so long for this series but then again good things come to those who wait right. Well and the stars had to align just right so this creative team were all free at the same time to devout to making it the best they could. Which is exactly what they’ve done and to see Jack back from the Deadside trying to put the remnants of his life together and finally get over all the anger issues he’s got well that isn’t an easy thing.

     Andy is so utterly sensational when it comes what he’s capable of doing with a story. The way he not only structures the book and weaves into that the characters, the plot and story development not to mention the characterisation and it’s bloody well marvellous. So seeing Jack back in the Deadside where he’s been lured by Baron Samedi is bittersweet and I do hope that Andy won’t rely on this very often though I know Samedi wanted him there and his Scythe was there and it also lends us to some interesting encounters now as well.

     Now while Jack’s ongoing adventures in his literal hell we’ve got Alyssa facing her own. These senior Abettor’s well they are pieces of work now aren’t they though it wouldn’t be right if one of them weren’t. Though honestly I am a little surprised at who decided to be what here as the characterisation that we see unfolds and compensate much really is apparently because wow is this one a runaround Sue. One minute all bluster and bluff then scared to the point of pissing himself and back again to bluff and bluster I haven’t see this many faces on someone since I stopped watching the news.

     The guys do some incredible work on the interiors here as well. The whole mood and ambiance of the Deadside is amazingly well executed. From the tone in the colours and the gradation of them to the boldness of the blacks make it come alive for us. The attention to detail and how we see the varying weights of the linework manipulated so create those soft subtle moments inside the bold ones really is a thing of beauty. The utilisation of page layouts, too many wow moments to mention, and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off that amazing eye for storytelling that we’ve come to expect. How the backgrounds are utilised help to expand the moment, to startle and almost frighten the reader exceptionally well.

     With Alyssa fighting back and trying once more to get through to Jack it’s really Baron Samedi who at this stage holds all the cards. He is much more powerful than anyone would’ve given him credit for though honestly he’s been used to fight the Valiant Universe and we know how dangerous he can be. The two are opposing forces of the same coin and so long as one exists the other will as well, which is my takeaway so use that as you will.
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     A perfect blending of the occult/supernatural with action/adventure to create a gripping story of Jack trying to find his place in this world.  PS this is what Superstition on SyFy wishes it were!

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Peek-A-Boo #3

5/28/2018

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Peek-A-Boo #3
Zenescope Entertainment 2018
Written by Victoria Rau
Illustrated by Marcelo Basile
Lettered by Charles Pritchett


     A mother seeking solace with her three children after a recent tragedy signs up for a group hiking and camping tour. But navigating the difficult terrain is the least of the hikers’ worries as the group soon finds they’re being stalked by unseen predators.

      While this is very much the Hills Have Eyes in it’s nature I have to say the idea of some sort of lost tribe who over years of inbreeding have become veritable monsters by their very solitude existence. With only a guide who has remained free in order to bring them unsuspecting victims to eat and probably mate with. So with Pam bringing the kids out here and with all of them being from a military family have enough firepower and training to make things difficult. Now it’s a free for all and it’ll be anyone’s guess who the last one standing is.

     Meanwhile John has been studying indigenous people and their religious practices in this region what this is isn’t what is he’s expecting. Though to be honest I doubt anyone could have expected this or have been prepared though an armoury in the car is pretty darn close. I like the story is being told and how this book is structured. Right from the beginning we see the opening and it is eye catching and attention grabbing exactly what it should be to entice readers to want to continue.

      Last issue Pam went to car and now we see the result of that as the newly armed family is ready to take on the natives and try to get everyone out of this safely. There always has to be that one guy though who is such a prig that he can’t be trusted, male chauvinist and just an all around you know what. It is bad enough when you know your facing a horde of whatever they are but to be that guy too well ya know though I have to admit he reminds me of Harry Potters Muggle Uncle. That is some mighty fine characterisation if I say so myself and I didn’t even write it.

     There is only one more person I don’t see getting out of this alive and it’s not for lack of trying but then again in many ways I would say he’s a chip off the old block if you will. Then again who knows because the way that Victoria is writing this I would have thought that Emmy was a goner or as good as all things considered. Also the fact that these things are relentless in their pursuit doesn’t really seem to bode well either. I love the way that the excitement and the tension is translated to the reader because it really an edge of your seat kind of tale.

     I am really impressed with the quality of the interior artwork here. The way that the varying weights of the linework are manipulated through the attention to detail really creates a magnificent effect. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a great eye for storytelling. Also the attention to the characters both human and subspecies, at this point that’s what I am calling them, as well as how we see rocks and such.
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     I am extremely impressed with the way that everything about this has been coalescing. The ebb & flow of this has been really strong as unforgiving as the harsh landscape it’s all set in. This takes the modern horror slasher style and elevates to something worth paying attention to.

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Her Infernal Descent #2

5/28/2018

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Picture
Her Infernal Descent #2
Aftershock Comics 2018
Created & Written by Lonnie Nadler & Zac Thompson
Created & Illustrated by Kyle Charles
Coloured by Dee Cunniffe
Lettered by Ryan Ferrier


     Lynn and William Blake confront the anxiety-ridden mad judge of hell, Franz Kafka. Lynn descends further down the fiery depths into the circle of gluttony, where Cerberus awaits with a hunger of his own. Plus, a guest appearance by the world's most beloved author of suspense and mystery!

    Half the time I am reading this and I feel completely and utterly lost and yet for some odd reason I find that immeasurably charming. The characterisation of Lynn throughout this story has been so sublime and to see her in Hell and not giving a damn to whom she is speaking makes it that much more fun. She is one feisty woman and she isn’t going to back down to anyone and until she gets her family and finds a way to get them out of there well Hell Hath No Fury…..

      The way this is structured is spectacular to me and I find myself swept up in the ebb & flow of lost souls. No seriously I find myself looking through the crowd trying to find familiar faces or those that represent Lynn’s family it’s like Where’s Waldo only a thousand times worse. Yet oddly addicting and not at all satisfying but that doesn’t stop you from doing it. There are times that while you may not realise it but you are experiencing something pretty unique here.

     Also while the upstairs supposedly has St. Peter who’s in charge of accepting them down below and if it’s Lucifer’s son well he must really hate the bastard. However I will wholeheartedly admit that his presence in these pages is as welcome as the breeze off the ocean on a hot summer’s day. It really is fresh and has this sense of fun and whimsy to it that I wouldn’t have expected to see and it really adds a certain something. There are many different folks that we meet throughout this book that will have that effect and I look forward to seeing them all.

      All of this also ties nicely into the characterisation that we see as well because without this great characterisation we wouldn’t be as entertained as we are. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s a character or just their characterisation that we like or if it’s one and the same. The idea of a character is one thing how we perceive them another and without their personality they are just a bore thankfully that’s not happening here in the slightest.

     I love the interior artwork here as Kyle really manages to capture the whole air about it that reminds of the whole Sandman stuff with the Dreaming and all of them. It has that kind of ethereal aspect the way we see the linework which is extraordinary. The creativity and imagination that we see here is spectacular and then add the attention to detail in the varying weights of the linework and it really has this superb effect on the reader. The utilisation of page layouts and then how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a really good eye for storytelling here. Also the colouring cannot be discounted as it adds new dimensions to the flavour of what we see.
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     There is such an unexpectedness to this story and everything that we see in these pages. It has fun and a warped sense of whimsy like Alice gone wrong, even more wrong than usual that keeps the readers attention and imagination working in overdrive. This is why we love the unexpected and why we talk about it so others will know it exists.

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