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Today's reviews!

Reviews for 19-12-21 
​Reviews for 18-12-21 Reviews for 17-12-21 Reviews for 16-12-21
​Reviews for 15-12-21 Reviews for 14-12-21 Reviews for 13-12-21
​Reviews for 12-12-21 Reviews for 11-12-21 Reviews for 10-12-21
​Reviews for 09-12-21 Reviews for 08-12-21 Reviews for 07-12-21
​Reviews for 06-12-21 Reviews for 05-12-21 Reviews for 04-12-21
​Reviews for 03-12-11 Reviews for 02-12-21 Reviews for 01-12-21

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The V-Card #4

5/31/2020

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The V-Card #4
Antarctic Press 2020
Created & Written by Dallas Casavant
Illustrated by Nick Johnson
Lettered by Sean Rinehart

    Two worlds collide at the Larry Hama signing! In this final issue, someone dies! Will it be Jonathan? Talia? Chan Haan Sing?! Not even Larry is safe!!!

    The Earth Shattering conclusion is here!  No seriously this is the final issue of the arc and the introduction to Jonathan, Talia and everyone else.  While I am not normally one for romantic comedies this one is really fun.  It isn’t everyday we get a book with this whole double entendre meaning in the title that’s followed up with something that mixes a John Hughes 80’s teen film with the modern CW Network sensibilities.  This has been and remains to be a real unexpected treat to read.

    I really like the way that this is being told. How we see the story & plot development move the story forward through how we see the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is really well done.  There was no other outcome to this story than the one that happened and it wasn’t will it happen it has always been a matter of when it will happen.  Of course it also depends on the character development that we see as well.  Jonathan is a bit of a wimp and we’ve seen this throughout the story so does he man up and fang out?  How we see these characters change, grow and evolve is fantastic.  The pacing is really strong and as it takes us through the pages unravelling the story we see how everything works together to create the books ebb & flow.

    The guys really do a phenomenal job with this book.  This is my introduction to Dallas and if this is what we have to look forward to in the future well I’ve already signed up.  This is a great book that fits into the romantic comedy genre but this time from a guys point of view and that’s hella different.  We’ve met a fair number of interesting characters as well as few we could’ve done without but overall this has been something I hope I have introduced to a number of you folks.

    I like that the interiors here have never waivered.  The one thing I wish is that we’d see more backgrounds being utilised.  I mean they are inside a comic book store the entire issue and we never really got that closed in feeling that I wanted to feel.  I do love how the characters have been brought to life and how unique each person is.  The emotions just ooze from them and let’s face it Jonathan is completely adorkable, geek + cute=, and Talia is a hottie that’s for sure and how this is conveyed so beautifully through the art to match the words is some nice synchronicity.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a really strong eye for storytelling.  The colour work is nicely done as well.  The colour choices are interesting and that purple just makes my heart sing with joy.  The colour blocking we see is utilised to its fullest and it makes for a really dynamic look.  
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    I wonder what would have happened if we’d been able to get one more issue out of all this.  Because while what was preordained come to pass it still would’ve been nice to see one fight play out and lead into another one at their home.  In my head I have this whole planned out, so what does that tell you?  I got so engaged and so wrapped in this story, in this book to the point where I found a way to extend the story.  That is how well this book is done and how well it connects with me as a reader.  You need to either order the books or hope that Antarctic Press is going to put out a trade paperback.  

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Blackwood: The Mourning After #3

5/31/2020

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Blackwood: The Mourning After #3
Dark Horse Comics 2020
Written by Evan Dorkin
Illustrated by Veronica & Andy Fish
Lettered by Greg McKenna

    The students learn about the Dark Wisdom conspiracy, but can they warn everyone else about the planned attack on Dean Ogden's midnight funeral? Probably not, because we still have an issue to go! Also Chimp Ho Tep's second escape attempt, an occult heist scheme, scrying, dying, corpse dumping, a dead art student, and the meat from space that eats your face. WTF?

    First I adore the way that this is being done, by that I mean the multiple arcs as mini-series one after the other.  In lieu of an ongoing monthly this is what the future of comics franchises looks like.  Evan does an amazing job here giving the kids time to shine on their own as well as within their group and I don’t think this would work as well if this were a monthly.  Though what do I know?  I am also a huge fan of the way that Evan is able to take the kids and surround them with the story so that regardless of what we see it is all meant for them to be a part of be it hero or victim.  There is a sophistication to the way that this is written that we just done see day to day.

    I love the way that this is being told.  How we see the story & plot development constantly moving forward thanks to how we see the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information.  I get it that there are forces working against the school and that we need to kind of know what they are up to, though I did like the way we saw the transference of knowledge so the reader is in the dark about what was said.  All this leads me into the character development that we see.  The mix of personalities and how we see them all play off one another is absolutely brilliant.  To see them grow throughout not just the arc but through the actions they take and how they react to the situations and circumstances is what we see in “real time.”   How we see the pacing here as it guides us through the pages revealing the twists & turns along the way highlights the book's ebb & flow as well as how the book is structured.

    It is really nice to see this side of the Fish’s.  That they retain their signature style of work this darker more horror-esque atmosphere shines through extremely well.  The imagination and creativity on display through the magic that is being done really has this amazing impact upon the reader.  I love seeing backgrounds, I really do. I think they are so necessary to bring us the feeling of the moment or if they are in cramped quarters this is what I wanna see.  Here we get some just not enough for me.  Otherwise the utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspectives in the panels show a good, solid eye for storytelling.  The colour work is beautiful as usual.  I like how we see the choice of colours being utilised and how the various hues and tones are utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work.
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    The way this is being told and how we see the layering and subplots all working side by side is really something great to see.  Getting into the school was the easy part for as soon as they arrived it seems their presence woke something up and set a series of events into motion that are quickly spiralling out of control.  This is quite possibly one of if not the best book about magic school that we’ve seen, heck even boarding school books can be added into that category because there’s nothing like trying to survive your first year as you have to teach yourself on the fly.  This really is one of my personal favourites.

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Alienated #3

5/31/2020

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Alienated #3
Boom! Studios 2020
Written by Simon Spurrier
Illustrated by Chris Wildgoose
Coloured by André May
Lettered by Jim Campbell

    It's Samantha's turn with Chip -- the dangerous alien -- but everything starts to go wrong when she instigates a confrontation with her ex-boyfriend. Scared and angry, Samantha struggles with the decision to use Chip's powers for her own benefit. But not even she knows what the true consequences will be…

    There is some crazy good stuff happening within these pages.  With Samantha’s turn to have Chip, this is when we’re going to learn a lot more than we bargained for.  After all she’s the one who noticed the changes in him of which we see the results rather quickly.  One of the things that Simon does with this issue that I hadn’t expected to see is to delve into not just one dark place but several.  Also we start to see more of what Chip is actually capable of and it leads the reader to start thinking and become engaged in the story in new ways.

    I think the way that this is being told is utterly fantastic.  How we see the story & plot development keep moving forward through how we see the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is exceptionally well done.  That these three weren’t friends before this and now share their thoughts with each other opens up this crazy new dynamic in their lives and it just inherently makes this more and more interesting the more we read.  This leads into some really nice character development within these pages.  I am not sure if having this happen to them is allowing them to be bolder and more secure in dealing with their own personal issues or not but it definitely has a profound effect on each of them.  The pacing we see is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists, turns and revelations along the way we see how everything works together to create the books ebb & flow.

    I am blown away by the secrets the kids have to come to life.  How being in the right place at the right time keeps changing their lives with the start of each new day.  I thought this would be a fun lighthearted tale but it took a different turn and that in and of itself turned this into a much more interesting read.  

    I am a fan of the work we see on the interiors here.  The linework we see is really nice and through how the varying weights are being utilised to bring about the attention to detail that we see is fantastic.  Also we see various techniques utilised as well which harkens back to the classic ages of comics which to me is fabulous.  I adore that this retains it’s all-ages appearance and yet has so much detail as well.  The way we see backgrounds being utilised throughout this book is stupendous!  How we see them work within the composition of the panels to bring about the depth perception, sense of scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the book.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a talented eye for storytelling.  The colour work is truly gorgeous!  Of course there’s the effects that surround what Chip does but the rest also has these really great vibrant colours and the hues and tones within them creating the shading, highlights and shadow work.  This really enhances what we see in the linework to create something visually wondrous.
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    Everything that we see here and how the different layers are leading folks in directions that may or may not merge is exceptionally well done.  When you add into this mix children who are outsiders, loners or just don’t seem to fit the societal norm you are essentially creating a powder keg waiting for something to give off a spark.  I am ready to grab a package of matches and see what happens when it all explodes.  These folks have created something that continually evolves and leaves you breathless with anticipation.

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The Jump #1

5/30/2020

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The Jump #1
Half Evil Comics 2020
Created & Written by Rylend Grant
Illustrated by Fabio Alves
Coloured by Edson Ferreira
Lettered by HdE

    After a series of crippling personal tragedies, Thomas Northrope retreats from his everyday life and finds comfort in an online community dedicated to the art of astral projection. When he demonstrates a unique aptitude for the practice, Thomas becomes the target of a mysterious corporate/political machine – known as AJAX – bent on using promising young practitioners to win a centuries-old war on the astral plane.

    I am such a fan of these folks, Banjax is an amazing read so if you haven’t read that I highly suggest you get to it.  So when Rylend asked me to do a review I Jumped on the chance heh sorry couldn’t resist.  All you need is to see the opening to know this is going to be a massive good time, not to mention a massive hit as well.  The way that we see this issue unfold is really rather quite remarkable and it easily captures the readers’ mind, imagination as we are immediately engaged in what we see.  Personally I am a fan of how a story can take my own thoughts and run them through a cascading amount of scenarios when trying to figure a few things out.  Of course when none of them bear any fruit that’s even better because it keeps me on my toes.

    I am thoroughly enjoying the way that this is being told.  The way we see the story & plot development consistently moving forward through how we see the sequence of events unfolding as well how the reader learns information is beautifully presented.  It feels like we get a ton, and I do mean a ton, of information and you’d expect this to be a double sized issue as a result.  Since it isn’t that just means Rylend’s ability and talent continues to grow and get stronger since this never feels rushed nor does it feel like we’re missing anything.  The character development is interesting to see.  Thomas is a tad easy to understand and relate to in so many ways.  Though the situations and circumstances he finds himself in do change him and this is great to see.  The pacing is phenomenal folks and as it guides us through the pages revealing the events that shape the story we see how all of this works together to create the books ebb & flow.

    The guys work on the interiors here is mindbogglingly brilliant!  I see here the growth and development that they’ve gotten through working together on the aforementioned Banjax.  When I saw that first page I was left gobsmacked at how incredible the page looks.  The linework we see is superb, it’s strong and through the varying weights are utilised to bring about this attention to detail is amazing.  Now anyone who’s read a review of mine knows I love to see backgrounds being utilised and this book in particular needs them like few others do.  Of course they also work within the composition in the panels to create this great depth perception, sense of scale as well as the overall sense of size and scope to the story.  The colour work is brilliant as well.  I mean just the way we see this volume of colour through their various hues and tones being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is glorious!  P.S. that past panel yeah mmhmm.

    This is why we love comics and it’s why I keep urging everyone to keep your eyes on small press indie comics.  While this is will be on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rylendgrant/the-jump-1-from-screenwriter-ringo-award-winner-rylend-grant) tomorrow, so i do urge you to support it and share it out, it really deserves the big time treatment.  This really is among the best of the best of whatever it is you are currently reading, at least it is in my humble opinion.  This is fresh, new and unique and I cannot wait to see where this planning on going next!

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King of Nowhere #2

5/30/2020

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King of Nowhere #2
Boom! Studios 2020
Written by W. Maxwell Prince
Illustrated by Tyler Jenkins
Coloured by Hilary Jenkins
Lettered by Andworld Design

    Now an honorary citizen of Nowhere, Denis joins one of the locals on a doomed-to-fail money-making scheme at the outskirts of town, while John Doe's mysterious killer continues to leave bodies in his wake…

    Well I will say that this is one of the most bizarre stories I have read in quite some time.  It has this feel akin to Alice in Wonderland on acid feel to it, which pretty much embodies that story anyway.  It definitely stands out in the crowd in all the right ways to get noticed and garner the attention where people want to know what’s going on here.  This is the kind of stuff we dream about and are afraid to articulate for fear of the men with white coats and I think that’s one of the aspects about this book that I am attracted to.

    The way that this story is being told is incredible to bear witness to.  The way we see the story & plot development through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information feels like it's divulged in a Twin Peaks manner.  People talk but what they say never seems to answer any questions and you have to pay attention to what is being said because you never know if something is going to play into an encounter or situation down the road.  The character development is interesting in that we learn about these folks but don’t quite understand them so it is this paradox that can be frustrating at times.  On the other hand it also engages the readers’ mind in ways that must be experienced to understand.  The pacing we see is utterly marvellous and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists & turns along the way we see how it works with everything else to create the books ebb & flow.

    There are moments that hit you in different ways and while I am never sure if that’s coincidence or not, and there really are no coincidences in life, but they are rather quite remarkable.  The effect that this book has on you is as unique as the town of Nowhere itself, each person has their own connection unlike anyone else’s.  This is what comics should be about and to create this as flawlessly as we see it is beyond what we’ve come to expect and yet see at Boom! More often than not.

    I am continually impressed and gobsmacked by the interiors from Tyler and Hilary.  Right off the bat this lizard or iguana that we see is mind-blowing in it’s appearance.  For the watercolour work that we see there’s a huge amount of this sensational attention to detail that we see.  Somehow, some way the fact that we don’t see backgrounds as much as I would like it doesn’t matter one little bit.  The composition of the pages and panels is so bloody brilliantly done that what we see is mindbogglingly good.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a masterful eye for storytelling.  Hilary’s work with colours here is astounding to see.  She really does understand how colour works and how the myriad of hues and tones within any given colour should be utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work.  That we see colours most don’t associate being involved in it’s creation is something beautiful to see here.
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    As we see Denis trying to adjust to his new life and the mysterious man who pursues him we are treated to a whole new set of mythology from those that live there.  Kind of like the old circus sideshow freaks finding a magical way to live outside the sphere of man.  Whatever the case  may be these guys have pulled me in hook, line and sinker and i cannot wait to see what is going to happen next!

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Frankenstein Undone #2

5/29/2020

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Frankenstein Undone #2
Dark Horse Comics 2020
Written by Mike Mignola & Scott Allie
Illustrated by Ben Stenbeck
Coloured by Brennan Wagner
Lettered by Clem Robins

    In the lead-up to the celebrated series Frankenstein Underground, the ''monster'' Frankenstein continues his journey northward. Still trapped between the weight of his guilt and desire for redemption, Frankenstein may have to choose once and for all when an encounter with the crew of an icebound ship leads him into danger on the ice!

    This is far and away one of the most interesting and intriguing stories revolving around Frankenstein that I personally have read.  I also very much like and hate at the same moment how we see certain events happen within these pages.  It is so well told that you become somewhat attached to characters very quickly and all the while knowing who the main character is doesn’t really make things any better.  This is really a testament to just how well this story is being written and told.

    I am thoroughly enjoying the way that this is being told.  The way we see the story & plot development through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information moves the story forward smoother than silk.  Just the way we move through the pages of this book feels like we’re spending a good deal of time in various places and yet in reality we aren’t.  So to convey this to the reader in the way it does is really rather quite remarkable.  The character development we see through the situations and circumstances that are encountered are phenomenally portrayed.  I love seeing Frankenstein this way and seeing how he thinks and seeing his insecurities makes so much more believable and accessible to the reader.  The pacing here is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing Frankenstein's life and choices we see how everything works together to create the books ebb & flow.

    This isn’t the first time we’re getting a new envisioning of Frankenstein but I will say that this is one that captivates the readers’ imagination and engages them in some truly wonderful ways.  The way new characters are introduced and their reactions to him, their distinct personalities and what drives them are layered into the story perfectly.  There is a reason why Mignola’s Hellboy is so beloved and popular and we see in this the same trajectory for Frankenstein.

    The interiors here are absolutely delightful.  The style fits right in with this universe and the linework we see through the varying weights which are utilised to show the attention to detail is extremely expressive.  I will say that I definitely think we need to see more backgrounds being utilised.  There are so many wasted opportunities to flesh out the story in some interesting ways and really utilise the creativity and imagination we see glimpses of.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a solid eye for storytelling.  The colour work is really rather nicely rendered here as well.  There are some beautiful examples of different techniques being utilised and the overall effect is gorgeous.  The various hues and tones we see within the colours being utilised is exceptionally well thought out and executed.  
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    This has me excited for all the right reasons.  This is a fresh, interesting and intriguing take on such an already established iconic literary figure.  While I have no idea how long the characters will last in this book, there are extenuating circumstances galore where they currently are, but I am hopeful that we will see some of them become his friends and possibly travel companions.  With the way that we are seeing this being told through the different layers and the myriad of characters are their reason for being there is a joy to get swept up in.

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Cat Shit One Vol. 1 #2

5/29/2020

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Cat Shit One Vol.1 #2
Antarctic Press 2020
By Motofumi Kobayashi
Translated by Jacob Yomtobian

    Sergeants Perky, Rats and Botasky, the members of special forces unit Cat Sh*t One, continue to brave their way through multiple dangerous missions on the battlefields of Vietnam. The stars of Motofumi Kobayashi's famous war manga may be "mere" rabbits on the outside, but they're beasts of battle through and through!

    This has turned into a book that I crave to see more of.  Who knew a Vietnam War book that features animals instead of humans could be so damn compelling?   We kind of know what happened, it’s pretty well documented and M.A.S.H. put it’s own spotlight on it as well but that’s not the real history.  Every country teaches its own version of events that have happened world-wide that are centric to their people.  This story is told from its own unique point of view and it has what I think of as a non-bias approach as we see the story told from this unit’s perspective.   

    The way that this book is being told is utterly and spectacularly brilliant!  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is laid down exquisitely.  This is a documented event and to see how those real events are woven into this story is amazing to me.  That this feels like it’s as much a history lesson as it is a story for entertainment is mind blowing.  Just the overall sense you get from reading this is worth more than your weight in gold.  The character development is astonishingly good.  As we get to know these men and their relationships with one another and how the bonds of brotherhood form you find yourself caring about them in ways you didn’t expect.  The pacing is brilliant in how it guides us through the pages revealing the situations and circumstances they have to face.  All of this works together to create the overall ebb & flow while also highlighting how well the book is structured.

    While it feels war has been consistently being waged worldwide since I have been alive this offers a perspective on not only the way it is, to some degree, but also the consequences of the actions that they take.  Revenge, counter attacks, you name it we see, understand why it’s happening as it envelops us in this world.
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    The black and white style we see here is an example of some the best you will ever see in your lifetime.  Not only are there varying weights in the linework but we also see a myriad of techniques being utilised as well and all together it just makes this so much powerful of a story and not just in the visual sense.  That Kobayashi does the entire book is equally as impressive because that takes a high level of skill and talent.  That everything we see is precisely what he wants us to in order to get the maximum impact is fully on display.  The way backgrounds are utilised and how we see them utilised within the panels to create this depth perception, sense of scale as well as that overall sense of size and scope for the book.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a masters eye for storytelling.
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    It wasn’t until I had grown up that I have actually come to appreciate the war story genre in comics.  Seeing the sheer unadulterated strength of will and character these characters possess is nearly inspirational.  War is Hell and while it may seem a necessary action we also see the underbelly of it as well.  Death and destruction follow hand in hand as weapons become more advanced and volatile as the land becomes uninhabitable.  This engages the reader in pretty much a fully immersive experience and it will leave you changed when you're finished reading this.  

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Mercy #2

5/29/2020

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Mercy #2
Image Comics 2020
By Mirka Andolfo
Colour Assists by Gianluca Papi
Lettered by Fabio Amelia
Translated by Arancia Studio

    The Woodsburgh Devil strikes again when another innocent victim falls into the clutches of the elusive killer. Meanwhile, Lady Hellaine invites the local bourgeoisie to a social event, attracting the attention of the powerful Lady Swanson. Subterfuge and lies emerge as the second chapter of MIRKA ANDOLFO’s new project divulges a shocking revelation.

    God I love this woman and I haven’t even met her, she is without a doubt one of the most intriguing and exciting voices to be found.  With her European sensibilities she is able to weave a tale in a much different way than we are used to.  I absolutely adore how natural the characters and their sexuality just is and is never made an issue out of.  This is how life should always be where the only thing that should matter is what is happening around you not who’s sleeping with whom or what orientation some needs to be classified.  The way Mirka is able to engage the readers’ mind and where it goes is rather astonishing.

    The way that this is being told is stupendously well presented.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is beautifully laid out.  The opening here is intriguing as it plays into the story while staying a separate thread while still remaining connected.  I cannot get enough of this book and this issue is a great example why.  From the moment we see the Maid and all the way to the last page everything is crafted to maximise not only how we see this but relate to it as well.  The character development is rather astonishing for this being only the second issue.  The catalyst is really the same for the entire town and how we see the actions and reactions help shaping how we see them and who they are.  The pacing here is sublime and as it guides you through the pages revealing the twists and turns along the way it shows how everything works together to create the books ebb & flow.

    This is a gorgeous book point blank period.  It has this romantic outward appearance and lurking just beneath the surface horror waits to burst through.  It is elegant and demure while being strong and confident all in the same space and it’s such a nice tightrope walk that it has to be admired.

    The interiors are divine!  The linework that we see is exquisitely laid down and how we see the varying weights being utilised to highlight the attention to detail is stupendous.  From the hounds to the cat to the detail in the beard or the dress what we see has such eleganza to it that it’s simply stunning work.  Now I’ve made no secret that I am a fan of backgrounds and while yes I would like to see more of them, what we do see is rather well utilised.  The way that we see the panels framed and filled is really quite remarkable while showing us depth perception, a sense of scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the story.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a marvelously talented eye for storytelling.  The pièce de résistance however is the colour work we see.  From the pinks and purples to the blue's, white's and skin tones the hues and tones within the colours we see being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is extraordinary!

    I love that we see the layering of the story with the different characters and their own storylines being brought out.  The depth and dimension of this story has already captured as well as engaged the mind and imagination of the reader and it’s with baited breath we wait for what’s still to come.  

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Hollow #1 Advance Review

5/28/2020

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Hollow #1 Advance Review
On Sale June 24, 2020
Source Point Press 2020
By Mick Beyers

    The first of a four-issue mature re-imagining of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Warlock Ichabod Crane has come to the women of Sleepy Hollow, to raise up their voices in ecstasy and exaltation, to awaken the Old God that sleeps beneath their feet. And the witch Katrina Van Tassel is the only one that can stop him. She has been pledged to serve the village and protect it from the evils that sleep beneath, yet she finds her charges, and her duty, repulsive. Will she forsake her inheritance and the village she has lived in her whole life to find a kind of happiness, or stay to fight a man who has already won?

    I love what I do and in the years I have been fortunate enough to be doing this I have met so many great people who I can consider friends, flirt with unabashedly and know that it isn’t coming from a place besides love & friendship.  The guys and gals at Source Point Press are among those and I have been a fan and working with them pretty much since the beginning and I am so proud of these folks like you wouldn’t believe.  The talent, commitment and genius behind every facet shines brightly.  

    This book right here is no exception.  I read this and was completely floored by it.  Because it was sent blind I had no prior knowledge of the book and to read this and discover what it’s all about and how it’s being told, you cannot help but bow your head in respect.  The writing for this is so utterly flawless.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented perfectly.  We discover what is happening in Crane’s sphere of influence and quite honestly there is nothing about what we learn that is as fascinating as it is terrifying.  The character development that we see has its moments where it’s startling to see.  Captivating, engaging and yes even mystifying but much like any train wreck there’s no chance at all of you looking away the pull to know more is far too great.  The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing what life in this is like we see how everything works together to create the books ebb & flow while highlighting how well it is structured.

    I am kind of in love with the interiors as well.  Black and white is always a bold medium to work in as it shows any and all flaws so to see it done well is a true treat, regardless if it is a style you wouldn’t normally gravitate towards.  When we get our first glimpse at Crane I have to say I was dumbfounded!  Everything about him is truly and utterly brilliantly portrayed.  I like the different techniques that we see within the linework utilised to create the attention to detail.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a strong eye for storytelling.  I am also very much a fan of the utilisation of backgrounds here as they really do wonders to flesh the story out as well as bring us depth perception, scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the book.  One thing however, I think it only fair to really see what’s swinging between those legs, I mean we get plenty of the hairless backside.
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    I found myself caught up in the events that we see playing out before us.  I now have to wonder which part of the legends will be utilised to their fullest because we see a fair bit in use already and it makes me excited to see what else there might be.  This is one of the most intriguing adaptations that I have come across, and I do not mean just for Sleepy Hollow either.

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Dead Day #1

5/28/2020

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Picture
Dead Day #1
Aftershock Comics 2020
Written & Created by Ryan Parrott
Illustrated by Evgeniy Bornyakov
Coloured by Juancho!
Lettered by Charles Pritchett

    If the dead could come back for just one night, would we want them to?
     Meet the Haskins, a seemingly normal suburban family, as they prepare for the annual macabre holiday known as “Dead Day" – when the deceased rise from the grave from sunset to sunrise. Some come back to reunite with family and friends, others for one last night of debauchery, still others with only one thing on their decomposing mind: revenge.

     I love a good zombie story and until now I thought I'd seen it all but thanks to the brilliance that is Ryan Parrott it turns out we haven’t.  Not by a longshot thank goodness too because it just means that we still have so much original stories to read.  I wasn’t sure what to expect except first impressions based upon the cover and that doesn’t tell us much.  Then again if you’ve ever read any of Ryan’s work you know that he’s so good at revealing not while letting you in on the secrets.  

     The way that this is being told is utterly fascinating.  The story & plot development we see through how the sequence of events unfold and how the reader learns information is exceptionally well rendered.  Not only that but the way we are introduced to the characters and the hints on who is and isn’t considered important well I have a feeling those will definitely be changing as the story progresses.  The character development is great and while it’s just being laid down we get a fantastic look at these folks and through their behaviour a better understanding of them.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through pages revealing life in this town we are pulled further into the story thanks to the ebb & flow of the book.

     The opening here is utterly phenomenal and it really sets the stage for this story.  It piques the readers’ curiosity and makes you wonder what is happening here.  With the John Keats words playing through what we see I found it to be the most compelling opening I think I have seen, and considering what I’ve been doing the last 10 years that is saying something.  Also just the sheer concept of this book and how we see it come to life leaves the reader with a desire to know more, how this came about and even just not knowing keeps the readers’ mind engaged.

     The interiors here are mindbogglingly brilliant!  The linework is gorgeous, strong or soft and the varying weights and techniques being utilised to bring about the attention to detail just blows my mind.  I mean c’mon the opening, the buildings and the characters themselves plus how we see those returning well the imagination and creativity is off the charts.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows an amazingly talented eye for storytelling.  Then there is how we see backgrounds being utilised, they not only flesh out the scene beautifully but they also bring us this great sense of depth perception, scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the story.  Everything you need to see and feel can be found through this work.  The colour is absolutely wonderful to see.  Again the different techniques we see being utilised from gradation to blocking we see what we need and where.  The utilisation of the various hues and tones found within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is the definition of gorgeous.
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     Already we see how this book is layered and how the characters are facing their own inner and outer demons regarding Dead Day.  So how this is going to play out for them is anyone's guess but what we’ve seen here how we’ve been introduced to it is beyond what we’ve come to expect.  This is how you set up a story and a world that captures the readers’ attention, imagination and leaves them with a desire for more.

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