READING WITH A FLIGHT RING
  • About
  • reviews
  • Contact
  • Cosplay of the Day 2
  • Company News
  • Entertainment Section
  • Convention News/Updates
  • original artwork
  • My Best Books of the Week
  • Cosplay of the day!
  • FCBD
  • Interviews
  • Webcomics

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

Facebook Link

Spencer & Locke 2 #2

5/31/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Spencer & Locke 2 #2
Action Lab Danger Zone #2
Written by David Pepose
Illustrated by Jorge Santiago, Jr.
Coloured by Jasen Smith
Lettered by Colin Bell


     The trial of Spencer and Locke starts now! After turning the city upside-down to stop Roach Riley, our hard-boiled heroes suddenly find themselves on the wrong side of the law — but what happens when Roach crashes their hearing with a sixty-ton tank?

     Gosh darnnit I am special and people like me, you like me you really like me! Right Newt, Affirmative! I love this stupid book, not really stupid but you get my drift. What David does with the writing, concept and how he terrifies us by revamping childhood favourites is just bloody brilliant. Move over Beetle Bailey, Roach Riley’s here and he’s taking no prisoners, nor allowing prisoners to live for that matter. I think David and I could be great friends and go out have a few pints and probably giggle for a while because he’s as warped and twisted as I am.

     The way that this is structured is fantastic! With these being limited series arcs the pacing has to be impeccable and it is. The fast paced way we seem to go through the story doesn’t deter from anything instead it seems to enhance the tension and sense of danger that is going on. For while Locke is busy being arrested Melinda is following up on a lead and it feels like a giant collision is just around the bend and no party can see what’s on the other side. The tension this brings about for the reader is sensational and while we may have this knowledge that it will happen we don’t know how it’s going to happen. So essentially it is the journey not the destination that really is what we want to experience.

     The characterisation here is killer as well. It doesn’t really matter who we encounter there’s someone in this book you are going to relate to, empathise with and connect with whether you plan to or not and it’s this kind of work that David does that is so damn impressive. There is also another event that happens within these pages that takes you by surprise and will leave you breathless as we eagerly await next issue. And that’s all I am willing to say on that front.

     Jorge and Jasen make a great team when it comes to the interior artwork here. From the Sunday Newspaper Strip style to the main event these guys bring us emotion and feeling from these characters in spades. The linework is stupendous and while they don’t try for the realistic approach they do achieve this Anime type style instead that fits the story to perfection. So much so that Locke is one of those Ginger men that is sought after by men and women alike as he’s extremely alluring to look at, thanks to those facial features. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a superb eye for storytelling.

     We all know I am this huge proponent of utilising backgrounds and that the guys do more than I expect to see thrills me beyond belief. They expand moments and bring a gorgeous sense of size and scope to the book. The colour work is four colour when needed but also alive and vibrant when we see the main work. There is some fantastic use of shading from the way light sources are utilised. I would normally say let’s see more colour gradation but it isn’t really needed here not with the highlights we already see.

     A little twisted, a little sick and all kinds of high octane balls to the walls violence make this one of those series that you don’t want to put down!

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Lumberjanes in Somewhere That's Green #1

5/31/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Lumberjanes in Somewhere That’s Green #1
Boom! Box 2019
Written by Seanan McGuire
Illustrated by Alexa Bosy
Lettered by Ariana Maher
Weather Woes Written & Illustrated by Mari Costa


     When Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley stumble upon several muddy, spiky, cactus kittens in the woods, they take on the sacred mission of bringing the kittens back to their home. However, when they reach the garden menageries and its Dryad tender, they find that there is a deeper problem at the heart of the garden—and the Roanokes are the only ones who can help!

     The only other time I have read the Lumberjanes was with the Gotham Academy Crossover. So this is pretty much brand new to me. I have to say what Seanan is doing with the story here is one that makes me want to see more of their adventures. I do wish this had come with some sort of roll call type in the credits so I knew who was who lol. The opening here is perfectly done however, as we see the girls in their cabin while it’s raining. If you have ever been to camp and been stuck in the cabin all day since all activities are cancelled then you can totally relate and understand what the girls are going through. This kind of stir-crazy usually leads to bad decisions at the very least.

     What this does for us is allow Seanan to lay down some really nice characterisation as the girls talk and go over all the mundane stuff they could be doing, wanting to be doing and wishing they were doing. Also it really highlights kids today and the wide range of “types” of personalities we see and who should really be on some Ritalin. Before any decisions can be made of course things are taken out of their control as Bubbles, Molly’s pet racoon, escapes the cabin in dramatic fashion setting the girls off on their new adventure.

     The way this book is structured is extremely well done. I love how the flow feels natural and effortless as if this is exactly what happened and it wasn’t Seanan’s decision to take them there. I will say Bubbles being there reminds me of the old Hanna Barbera cartoons like Scooby, Josie and the Pussycats, Speed Buggy, all those that had the animal members (or car as the case may be). Usually said animal was both cause and hero in the adventures and I love that about this in these pages.

     The all-ages interior artwork and how we see the animals and the girls also lend that air of a cartoon to the book making the connection leap extremely easy for me. It also makes this book as cute as can be and actually incredibly delightful. It helps with the imagination and creativity aspect and in how it’s all brought to life. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a very good eye for storytelling. In stories like this the way we see the backgrounds being utilised is important and it not only enhances the moments, brings a sense of size and scope to the book but it allows the reader to experience this in a full technicolour mode. The colours too are amazing in how they represent the kids, the garden the various shall we say crytpobotanical creatures.
​

     I adored reading this issue. The story is amazingly simple and yet delightfully offbeat and complex all that the same time. The girls have their own feelings, ways of being and how they approach the situations and all of that is showcased beautifully. The more all-ages books I read the more I value what they represent and that adults need to get over the fact that they are all-ages and get to reading. Just because we reach a certain age doesn’t mean we can’t be reminded about a thing or two about being friends and treating one another. This is well worth your time, read it, pass it along to the next and if you have kids let them read it and you’ve got dinner table conversation topic.

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Stranger Things: Six #1

5/31/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Stranger Things: Six #1
Dark Horse Comics 2019
Written by Jody Houser
Pencilled by Edgar Salazar
Inked by Keith Champagne
Coloured by Marissa Louise
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot
​Cover by David Mack


     Francine, also known as subject Six, is struggling with the pressures and expectations of being a teenager in the late seventies—but unlike other kids, it’s her special precognitive abilities that are complicating her life. Dr. Brenner claims that living under his care is a better option, but visions of a dangerous future haunt her waking hours. Dive into the first prequel comic series of Stranger Things. Delve into the secrets of Hawkins Laboratory!

     Okay I had no idea what to expect with this one so I was just going into it thinking this was going to be another look at the show. Oh no ma’am that’s not the case. Jody is one of the most talented writers around and she continues to demonstrate that with everything she writes but this one, this one outdid every single thing I was expecting! While I have no idea how the relationship with what she’s doing with these stories and the Netflix people but I don’t want this to end because this is just as thrilling as the show is, on every level.

     I like the way that this book is structured. The opening is great it has this dynamic feeling to as well as giving the reader a very good look at the mother. The characterisation is amazing to see already and what all this does is capture the readers’ imagination right off the bat and doesn’t want you to let go. It also kind of brings this ominous feeling to the book because you know that something bad is going to be a result of what we witness. For this franchise it’s the ultimate feeling that fits beautifully.

     As I kept reading this issue, then re-reading it a few times, I noticed that this has something of British undertone to the way Jody is writing it. Maybe it is because that’s where my grandmother was born and raised for many years, or because I watch way too much Britbox but I feel it and it helps me with the whole feel of authenticity to the reactions I see in regards to Francine and what she’s capable of. I still can’t get over the characterisation here and how strong it is right off the bat and throughout the entire book.

     The interior artwork here is amazing! The linework that we see is crisp, clean and the result of a strong hand. The way that the varying weights are utilised so that they are able to create this stupendous attention to detail blows my mind. The sheer realism quality that is brought to this and how easy we can read the facial expressions and their feelings and emotions. The whole team from the pencils through the colour work these folks really work so incredibly well together. Each one layering the previous with their own special way and approach to their work.

     The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this amazing eye for storytelling. This is how to effectively utilise backgrounds folks, even in the centre the consistency is there to provide that sense of size and scope along with expanding the moments. The colour work too with this stellar utilisation of light sources to create highlights, shading and this colour gradation effects jut makes this more beautiful.
​

     They don’t know the Upside Down even exists yet and I love that fact. I also enjoy seeing what could possibly be the origin of the Six we know and love. That Jody can take us beyond what’s on the page and imagine possibilities that may or may not exist is just one of the many reasons that I will read anything she’s writing. Dark Horse scored a coup with this franchise and the creative team just keeps proving why they are the best at what they do.

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Angel #1

5/31/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Angel #1
Boom! Studios 2019
Written by Bryan Edward Hill
Illustrated by Gleb Melnikov
Coloured by Gleb Melnikov & Gabriel Cassata
Lettered by Ed Dukeshire


     Angel, one of the only vampires in the world with a soul, has been walking the streets of Los Angeles for years, neither human nor vampire. After losing his human protege to another of Los Angeles’ monsters, Angel is told by his mystical guide Fee-Fee to journey to Sunnydale, California.  Uncertain of what lies ahead for him, the only thing Angel knows now is that he is destined to face his demons alone…

     For those of you like me who aren’t Buffy fanatics just casual viewers of the delicious David Boreanaz you are going to really enjoy this. While yes Angel is an important player in the Buffy universe this one starts off with him heading to Sunnydale where he hasn’t even met the current slayer yet. So the potential to get to know him, his struggle between the man he was and the man he is takes centre stage without distraction. There is no one else I would rather see take on the complexity of this character than Bryan either. He will get into the mind-set and explore Angel in ways that are sure to thrill readers old and new alike.

     The opening here is perfectly done for me. There is a boy, Javan, who we see alerting Mara that the riders are coming. I will be honest at first I was thinking that boy might be Angel so when the truth is revealed there are all sorts of things that run through my head. The opening is powerfully done, thought provoking and provides a glimpse at characters we haven’t met before and this alone is cause for rejoice. Also there is just that certain something special about being able to see for ourselves just how long Angel has lived while getting to see the past come to life before our eyes. There is excitement fraught with danger and it’s the feeling of that which will capture the reader ensuring they delve deeper into the issue.

     Gleb is a new artist whose work I have not seen before but I can already tell is poised to make a huge splash in the industry. Boom! Has found a very talented young (Belarusian) man to work for them. The way that we see the varying weights of the linework being utilised to create such beautiful attention to detail is exciting. He knows how compose the panels as well in which he is able to create that sense of movement or feelings of tension and foreboding. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a very strong, solid eye for storytelling. When backgrounds are being utilised the expand the moment and bring a beautiful sense of size and scope to the story. The colour work is sensational. I like the way that colours are utilised within a colour, like the different reds in the blood or the streaks in the hair. There are continually these little oft overlooked details that make the book stronger on the whole.

     If I didn’t know who Angel was, hell even though I do, this is an incredibly strong first issue. The writing with the story & plot development, this is great pacing and the character development and characterisation that we see engages the reader perfectly. What we see, what we think and what we think we know is all out the window at this point. Through encounters with others and flashes of his dark past we are getting to see a different definition of the darker angst that lies within him that he isn’t willing to let go or forgive himself for.

     This is one I urge you to give a go. Love him or hate him this isn’t the version we’ve seen on television for who knows how long, this is what I imagine he should be like. Bryan, Gleb, Gabriel and Ed are taking Joss’ creation and making this the unexpected surprise you’ve been waiting for.

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Long Ago & Far Away #1

5/30/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Long Ago & Far Away #1
SBI Press 2018
Created & Written by Chris Mancini
Illustrated by Fernando Pinto
Lettered by Troy Peteri


     Decades ago, Jason saved the world of Elvenwood from the witch queen Nexis as the Child Knight. Today, he's an unhappy manager of a comics store where his disbelieving coworkers have to hear tales of Elvenwood over and over. When the denizens of Elvenwood return to seek Jason's help again, it turns out it's all true, but will Jason be the hero he once was? Or will he just make things worse because he grew up to be a complete jackass?

     SBI Press really does have some of the most fun books that have and are coming out. I’d like to thank Brendan for sending the run to me it’s something I greatly appreciate. I like the way that this issue starts off, the opening is strong well written and has that distinct feeling of a dungeons & dragons style story. Or perhaps a take on the Shannara Chronicles which in this day and age would almost be more likely. Either way we enter in the middle of a battle, there is no explanation only the narrative of that which is happening. For me it’s great and it immediately piqued my curiosity and made me want to know more. I mean really you start at something that feels epic so naturally we’re going to want to know more.

     I like the way that this is being told. We get to see Jason or as he was referred to, the Child Knight, as an adult who seemed to have lived a fantasy life. In all honesty it is as if he lived the life we all wanted as kids, taken off to a place and made into a hero, kind of like the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon only he went there all by himself. The how and why remain a mystery to us but the fact that we see him now recanting his exploits for those who work in the comic book store with him tell us a number of things. The characterisation here is exceptional as we get to know Jason, Phil and Marla and how they are friend but not friends and their how their whole dynamic seems to work. It doesn’t take long for Chris to map this out for us while still leaving room for growth.

     Fernando has a very quirky kind of style that I would’ve said was very much more underground comix from back in the day. While he really does understand how to compose these panels for maximum impact and he isn’t afraid to utilise backgrounds the way they should be done. My biggest quibble is that we don’t see them all the time but hey they still enhance the moments and bring a size and scope to the story. The way we see the linework is almost on the simple side but it has a very now feel to the work he’s doing. Like it should fit right in with the new Cartoon Network style that seems to be all the rage. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a solid eye for storytelling. The colour work is nice and has this really good shading effect to it which utilises the light sources. I would like to see more colour gradation but that doesn’t necessarily fit this style of art.

     The story & plot development that goes nicely with the pacing and the character development create a very nice ebb & flow for the book. There is a nice way of setting the stage and then getting right to heart of the matter and all the while you begin to wonder if Jason is just a man-child or if he’s simply wishing for a life that wasn’t the one he had. When the truth reveals itself and his co-workers come one step closer to learning the truth on their own is when we truly begin to see the potential being unleashed.
​

     SBI does it again, this takes the dreams or the vivid imagination of a lonely child and makes them a reality no one was prepared to admit. How much fun is this going to be as we watch it all unfold?!?

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Gryffen: Galaxy's Most Wanted #1

5/30/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted #1
SBI Press 2019
Written by Ben Kahn
Illustrated by Bruno Hidalgo
Colour Assists by James Penafiel
Lettered by Sal Cipriano


     Captain Layla Gryffen dedicated their life to the Sovereign Reach. A veteran of missions on a dozen worlds, they were the pride of humanity. Six months ago, they disappeared at the edge of the galaxy. One week ago, they returned….….….

     It really is a shame that SBI doesn’t get nearly the coverage it deserves. I’d love to work with them regularly, I think they have some really great stuff out there. This one was sent to me and I said I would check it out which is a blessing because I love that people like me and trust me enough that they want me to review their work. I’m so happy that this one found it’s way to me because I love a good space rooted story and something of a mysterious one at that.

     The opening is sensational. I have no idea why Layla would find themselves in what appears to be some kind of trial but there are plenty of clues that Ben leaves us. Even without the diatribe that we hear, which is something I recommend every single one of you to read because it’s that amazingly well done, but with Bruno by their side we get some stellar characterisation here. I really am impressed with not only the way this is structured but by the characterisation as well. Ben has found this exceptionally fun rhythm that is able to keep the story & plot development and it’s pacing moving forward almost effortlessly while the characters take centre stage.

     The way that we are introduced to this reality and to those who reside within is done so that we are given the rare opportunity to really see just what these people seem to be about. From the work that these two do I see a society based on people in power not caring about anything but themselves and making sure they stay in power. They don’t want anyone coming along to upset the status quo and here comes the judge, for those who know Laugh In! There is a sense of humour happening here that comes in the form of crazy, the fed up you don’t listen to me, I am sick of tired of being ignored, crazy. Which comes across as funny as hell too.

     It should come as no surprise at how well the interiors compliment the writing as Bruno has worked with Ben quite a few times now. These two make a helluva team that’s for damn sure. I love the way that Bruno’s style can go from chaotic to neutral to this clean crisp representation, and still make a man’s chin look like a ball-sac. The way he is able to create the mood and atmosphere and individuality of each character should be commended. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this really good, solid eye for storytelling. We see some nice utilisation of backgrounds here, would I like to see more oh yeah but what we do get really does flesh out the scenes and bring a size and scope to the book. The colour work here is nice as well. Funny how prison jumpsuits are always orange. I like the way shading is utilised and the various colour of the skin that we see. I’d like to see more colour gradation but with this style it works the way it is.

     I had a wonderful time reading this one folks. There is a nice intelligence behind the writing and they really get this inherent understanding of balance seriousness and black humour. Put this really strong writing alongside these interiors and this is what the new dynamic duo looks like to me. Every time these two have an outing together I see this growth and maturity to the work that makes me want to see more from them so get your hands on this and enjoy some high quality work.

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast - Night City #1 (of 5)

5/30/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast—Night City #1 (of 5)
Heavy Metal Comics 2019
Story by Llexi Leon
Written by Ian Edginton
Pencilled by Kevin West
Inked by Richard Friend & Keith Champagne
Coloured by Raul Manriquez & Omar Estevez
Lettered by Jacob Bascle


     After the demise of the Clairvoyant, Eddie joins forces with the Alchemist and finds a new ally in Charlotte, who joins the battle to save humanity from the beast!

     I am never sure how I miss certain projects but it happens and this is the second arc in this story and I’m sorry I missed the first. However if like myself you too missed the first arc that’s okay because this is one you can jump right on into without missing a beat. I love it when they are new reader friendly, it also makes me wanna go find the first arc and see the meat and potatoes instead of the recap. This much like the Kiss books prove that you can take music to places that continue to engage your mind, senses and imagination in ways that go beyond expectation.

     The opening for this issue is spectacular to see. I think that the artwork along with the narration make the definition of cohesion and compatible become crystal clear. This makes this so dynamic and it draws the reader in though it’s intrigue factors which for anyone reading this is through the roof. By the time we hit page 4 there is no looking back we want more and want it now. This my friends is one of those sit down take notes kind of opening.

     The way that this is structured is fantastic! The story is amazingly easy to follow and we never get lest thanks to the dialogue. When Eddie and the Alchemist are the focus any questions you might have had get answered. Though it also causes the reader to ask new and different questions and it makes me excited to think about how much more is out there to learn and explore with these characters. What we see is so complex, layered and interesting in ways that convey so many different things. Though I am hoping one of those is that this will become something of new franchise that will be lasting for quite some time to come. There is a definite feeling of excitement laced with anxiety the permeates the book as you read it and it has this delicious grip on your mind.

     I am a big fan of the interior artwork here. The linework is amazing, it’s crisp, clean and shows a firm hand behind the work. It also demonstrates a very strong creativity and imagination while merging with a technical approach. Eddie and the creatures, Aww Eddie and the Cruisers was a good flick with good music, have this look about how they are brought to life that says hey these can work and exist and here’s exactly what that would like quality. It is effin impressive beyond belief is what it is and that the pencil’s have to be inked then coloured mean that the entire artistic team works together majestically.

      The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a sensational eye for storytelling. Backgrounds are utilised nicely to expand the moment and provide us with a nice sense of size and scope to the story. Also I really like the way that we see the composition in the panels. They really have this impact and attention to detail within them that helps you with the story whether you realise it or not.
​

     The strength in this is the way that the story & plot development, the pacing and the characterisation which constantly moves the story forward while it’s completed by the interior artwork. This is the kind of book that you put down and wonder why with their long history we’re just getting stories like this now? This is a franchise with unlimited potential and these folks are scratching it’s surface perfectly.

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Killer Groove #1

5/30/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Killer Groove #1
Aftershock Comics 2019
Created & Written by Ollie Masters
Created & Illustrated by Eoin Marron
Coloured by Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by Hassan Otssmane-Elhaou


     In 1970s Los Angeles, Jonny is one of the thousands of musicians trying to make it big while working a crummy bar job, and getting drunk with his whiskey soaked P.I. friend, Jackie. When Jonny gets tangled up with a local mob hit-man, he not only finds a new and violent career, but maybe the inspiration for his music as well.
​

     Okay well I will say this right off the bat the boys NAIL the vibe they are going for! This is the 70’s and with the tacky clothes coming in and the 60’s hippies going out, the world I was born into is changing and that’s represented here in ways that I wasn’t expecting are thrilled by seeing and this book on the whole is so much better than I could have hoped for. The opening is intriguing and with the sparse dialogue we learn nothing, NOTHING, about what’s going on and I got news for that works beautifully in their favour! I am intrigued, now I want to know more so boom I am in like Flynn baby.

     I like Ollie’s work and while I haven’t read all of it I will say that Snow Blind and The Raid are exceptional reads and should this go like I think it will he can add this one right on up there with those. This all makings of a sensational crime drama and while it doesn’t match up with anything else I have seen it does have the era’s vibe and sensibility so this for me is an original and unique new offering in the genre. That this stands out because of the way the book is structured and how the overall ebb & flow of information, revelations and unexpected events are revealed to the reader.

     Speaking of, the way we meet the characters here is extremely well done there is a natural element to the way it’s done so that while we need to meet them so the story can start it doesn’t feel like a set-up it just feels like another day in the life. So that Ollie really manages to make this feel like the world is just being depicted in these pages and not a story to entertain, if that makes any sense.

     Eoin and Jordie do some fabulous work on the interiors here. First let me just say the linework that we see and how it’s utilised to really make the most of how we see this book is utterly amazing. That first page after the opening and the peek behind the bar that we see that panel sums up everything I love about comic interiors and it says hey this is what your going to get from us. So kids let’s try to keep the blank backgrounds to as minimum as humanly possible. The attention to detail is really quite wonderful and the whole deal with Jonny and that is just linework or a moustache is freakin awesome, as is the blonde hair with the dark everything else.

     The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a great eye for storytelling. The colour work from Jordie is exceptional as always. There are time when we forget and that shirt that has the colours, including the green!, is a prime example of her extraordinary skills. As is the use of shading, shadows and light sources.
​

     So there are a few different arcs of story happening all at the same time which honestly excites me. Not only am I interested in seeing how they all interconnect with one another, because we know they will at some point, as well as seeing just how Ollie plans to do that. It’s a skills game, almost a confidence game really, being a writer able to convince the reader of the authenticity of what’s being read, so I am on board and waiting to see where Ollie, Eoin, Jordie and Hassan are going to take us next

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Zorro: Sacrilege #1

5/29/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Zorro: Sacrilege #1
American Mythology Productions 2019
Written by Mike Wolfer
Illustrated by Mauricio Melo
Coloured by Bruna Costa & Emmanuel Ordaz Torres
Lettered by Natalie Jane


     The legendary hero, Zorro must face something more terrifying than even the living dead - demonic possession of the innocent! Something evil has festered into the soil itself of a newly constructed canyon community as a wave of demons turn simple farming folk into bloodthirsty vile fiends. Zorro must find a way to end the corruption and send these foul spirits back to the netherworld. Can even the incredible swordsman stand against the blackest of supernatural forces, when that entity has the power to infest the holiest of sites, the mission church itself? Join us for a new brand of horror/adventure that pits a legendary hero against supernatural threats and horrors!

     I love my Zorro, I have since I was a kid it was fun to use sticks we found in the woods to use as swords and pretend we knew what we were doing. Also it didn’t hurt that my father used to put the old radio show collections on tape in the car when we went on long trips. I grew up surrounded by The Shadow, The Phantom and Zorro not mention the reruns of the 60’s Batman. So for me what American Mythology has been doing with the character has been both a deviation from what I expect and has the exact right tone and feel of Don Deigo De La Vega and his alter ego.   So I expect a lot and these folks deliver on that expectation in spades.

     I like the way this book starts off it’s a quickie in regards to seeing the troubles that travelling the road brings what with all the Highwaymen that could be encountered. I love the terminology of days gone by, I man Highwaymen it just sounds cool even if they are robbing folks along the road. What it does is set the tone for the book, in this case it tells us who is inside the carriage and that the masked man known as Zorro will be needed in these parts. Also it makes me want to see and know more. The entire issue is structured nicely and the characterisation is spot on when you meet some of these and your instant dislike of them.

     The interiors here are very nice to see. I love Mauricio’s linework and how it’s utilised alongside the colouring to really bring the facial features to life. Also the clothing oy vey I want that suit in that blue with that gold filigree style strip on the lapel and up the leg. He and James West have the best damn suits. Also the opulence of what we see inside this Asistencia sums up everything I think of when I think of the Church. It’s rendered beautifully and the colours and the way the walls are lined and such all of it is gorgeous but not appropriate for a monastery type place. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a great eye for storytelling.
​

     The whole book flows extremely well as the story & plot development with it’s pacing and this amazing characterisation do wonders in keeping us glued to the page and wondering where this is heading. We’re give a few directions that could be addressed and at least on man you want to see get his just due but all the direction and misdirection that leads up this ending is sensationally well done. I like the unexpectedness of what these folks keep bringing into Zorro’s life. Gone are the days of simple Highwaymen and that idiota Captain Ramon as the bane of his existence. It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for him, won’t you come along for the ride it’s bound to be another thrilling adventure!

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Horror Comics #1

5/29/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Horror Comics #1
Antarctic Press 2019
Written by Bradley Golden
Pencilled by Andrey Lunatik
Inked & Coloured by Mickey Clausen
Lettered & Designed by Hector Negrete


     In a small town near Miami, Florida, Thomas Wright, the local ice cream man serves up sweet, delicious new ice cream flavors he makes himself….from the flesh of his murder victims! Timmy LaLa Ice Cream delivers the taste of terror with some ice-SCREAM treats! Prepare to face terror like never before, as you vie to survive the vicious struggle…

     There are some visions that conjure up the innocence of our youth but none quite like the Ice Cream Truck. With it’s distinctive jingle and begging mum for money as it comes down the street. Ah life was so different back then, now of course a parent would never let a kid head to the truck alone, well not a certain kind of parent anyway. Why well because who knows what kind of pervert drives these trucks and what he wants from you kid and all the other stories driven into our heads thanks the cinema and television.

     Well Bradley decides he’s going to take the Ice Cream Truck and the guy, Thomas, and put his own spin on the story. I like Bradley and like his style of writing so this one was already one that was on my list. What he does here in a one-and-done story is pretty amazing actually. We get a complete story that FEELS complete, sure it could go on and have a few more issues here and there but it isn’t absolutely necessary. We get some extremely strong characterisation, a damn good plot & story development and pacing that is perfectly done. From a readers’ standpoint this is a hell of a way to start off a series as it is that well done!

     I love that Thomas looks like that creepy dude you’d expect to abduct children but instead is on a first name basis with the parents so his social skills are exceptional. He is nice, doesn’t pose a threat and has found his skill-set quite nicely and this must have taken years to cultivate. This past sentence is me going beyond the page and I always say that engaging the reader this way is the sign of excellent storytelling because you then become a part of the story. This does that extremely well.

     I am not sure where I stand with the interiors here. On one hand they look a lot like the 90’s style and it’s funky to see that then on the other hand there is a lot of linework being utilised through it’s varying weights in order to create the attention to detail we see. In the beginning the women’s faces looked off to me like Lunatik is feeling his way around and later in the basement the faces have a much more intense and realistic quality to them. You see this growth throughout the book but there are still places that I question what I am seeing, that last face image of Thomas that looks over worked to me.
​
     The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a nice solid eye for storytelling. Backgrounds could be utilised ore often but when we see they do a very nice job in expanding the moment and bringing a size and scope to the book. The colour work too is well done and I like how we see the shading and colour blocking. I would have liked to see some colour gradation in play at times especially in the red,
but there are plenty of opportunities that it would’ve made the work we see better.
​

     My reviewers eye aside this is a well written story and it has a strong presence about it. It is a great way to start off a series and sets the bar fairly high for those issues yet to come. I enjoyed this and I look forward to see what else the future has this creative team.

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.