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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 #2

6/30/2018

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Pestilence A Story of Satan #2
Aftershock Comics 2018
Written by Frank Tieri
Illustrated by Oleg Okunev
Coloured by Rob Schwager
Lettered by Marshall Dillon


     As this newest version of the Black Death begins to rise up and become an even dead-lier crisis than before, Roderick Helms and the surviving members of Fiat Lux race to stop it—but can they do so while being hunted themselves...by the NEW Fiat Lux?

     Sick, twisted, demented and all kinds of wrong that you can honestly say the Devil Made Me Do It and be right. Frank never ceases to amaze me with where he’s willing to go when telling a story. No matter what the subject matter may be it seems nothing is taboo for him to use and that’s one of the reason why I love reading his stories. Then again the opening shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone but it kind of does. Though I am glad to see that it is equal opportunity and that we see a lot peen in this one.

     There is something that verges on the cliché but doesn’t quite take hold. With the Pope and his actions and Thomas, his little errand boy type, and what we sees, knows and will act upon well that’s anyone’s guess at this point. However what we see leads the reader to believe one thing and like that of a stage magician with an expert slight of hand who knows what we are really getting to see. The way that the opening is scripted is what is meant to catch your eye and draw you in from there it’s taking us to a place where the story twists, turns and darkens and leaves you on the edge.

     Roderick and his men were accosted by the walking flesh eaters and it’s then they learn that nothing is what it seems and that what they thought they had done, see volume 1, wasn’t anything near what they had anticipated. The revelations continue and I gotta say it feels like Frank is piling it on and yet that isn’t even remotely true instead the pacing he’s set for this story is amazingly strong and it all flows in such a way that it feels like a thrill ride. Still it would seem that Roderick is very much in demand at this point and he’s got two of his best at his back and that is no small thing.

     I like the work Oleg and Rob are doing here. The linework is really nice and Oleg has this style that mixes reality and exaggeration in the perfect blend, like a rich dark brewed coffee that slides down easy. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels showcases Oleg’s eye for storytelling beautifully. The creativity and imagination in the undead, and the living if the Pope is to be any judge, is sensational stuff. I mean the opening acts and what happens to his Holiness well that is graphically done is just mind blowing good. The colouring here is really well done too I love the cool blues of night against the lights of a tavern it’s just so striking to see.

     I wasn’t all that sure that a sequel to the original was either necessary or needed but I am so glad that these guys are proving me wrong. I mean sure the way the last ended left things open but this is something I could never have predicted. What Satan is doing here is playing a dangerous game and I don’t think even he is prepared for what he’s unleashing here. Roderick is formidable opponent and he has friends, a wife and a son who are more than capable of holding their own. What do they say about poking a bear? That’s just what he’s done.
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     Amazingly well told story where the difference between man and Satan is as thin as tissue. Stunning characterisation and wonderfully descriptive artwork this will take you places within the Church you never wanted to go.

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Jazz Legend #2

6/30/2018

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Jazz Legend #2
Scout Comics 2018
Created & Written by JC Lacek
Illustrated by Vasco Duarte
Coloured by Patrick Gama
Inks & Lettering by Cristian Docolomansky


     Local jazz legend, Martin Comity, has seen better days. After experimenting with a new street drug, his already debaucherous lifestyle descends into paranoia as he suspects the drug's visions to be real. To learn the truth, Martin recruits Benjamin Way, a peculiar novelist with experience in matters of "altered states", to try the mysterious drug for himself. Ben's jovial reluctance turns to earth-shattering revelation as the drug reveals a surreal world no amount of experience could have ever prepared him for.

      I very much am enjoying the opening sequence here. The narration and how it appears in the boxes in the type font is nicely done and has a very good impact. I think seeing the imagery of this opening with the animals in action, the kind you only find in a big city, which leads into the next part is extremely well done. I like seeing the city and it’s inhabitants as things around them are changing in such a rapid and dark way.

      Are some folks sensitive to things like what’s happening, oh yeah they may not know why but they do and we see that here and I gotta tell ya it’s nicely put on paper. I like how all this plays out before we even get to Martin and how it sets up what the reader is supposed to be feeling and I have rarely seen this happen so exquisitely happening here. Before we even get to the story I am already feeling dread and sense of unease and it is all because of what is happening peripherally. I am so utterly, sincerely and profoundly impressed with this book and how well it’s done.

     I really like the way that the book is structured and how we follow a raven through the story until it’s no longer necessary. How that comes to be is something I'm not entirely sure of unless it is inadvertently real or just something mystical in nature. While it does kind of give us a moment of comic relief it’s in a very dark way and with my dry, dark humour I appreciated it greatly. Still how all this weaves into Martin and Ben having a conversation is beautifully orchestrated and that kind of flow is exceptional.

     The guys do a nice job collectively on the interiors is very nice to see. I like the way they can match the tone and feel of what the writing using their talents. The linework is really nice to see and there are subtle moments and bold ones where the varying weights are used well. The colouring or shading that we see where the highlights are used to create facial structure is nice and interesting to see. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a good, solid eye for storytelling. I like when backgrounds are utilised and wish they’d be used more often as it fleshes out the story more. When they are induced the creativity and imagination we see is stunningly well represented.
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     Scout has been very successful in finding some extremely good up and coming talent and this series is proof positive of that. Seeing the way that the story unwinds before us and how we see what Martin and Ben go through on their little trips leaves us with more questions than answers and it’s a driving force behind wanting to see what is going to happen next. This story is exceptionally well written and wonderfully illustrated and it’s meant to be read in daylight hours lest you find yourself having nightmares.

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Blackwood #2

6/30/2018

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Blackwood #2
Dark Horse Comics 2018
Written by Evan Dorkin
Illustrated by Veronica Fish
Layouts & Lettering by Andy Fish


     After the vicious mausoleum attack by a zombie dean, our student heroes learn the true supernatural origins of Blackwood College, why they were enrolled, and their own potential occult powers. Meanwhile havoc continues at the school as the students are plagued with monster insect attacks and a run-in with a two-headed mummified chimpanzee.

     So two things right away, 1. is that I am sad that this is only four issues 2. this is so much better than Gotham Academy! I mean this is how I want to see four students get acclimated to their new school which they know nothing about. I mean they’ve gotten to school, got a sweet arse suite to share and then met the dean as some kind of tentacle zombie which then pulled one of them into a well. That is one big way to have a first issue and even better is that Evan is picking up right where we left off last issue.

     The way that this is structured is utterly sensational and Evan somehow manages to get us to like unruly, surly and angsty teenagers which is something you wouldn’t expect. Also I have to give major credit here for the thought process that was done to come up with this book. Four strangers thrust into a suite at a school that’s not exactly on most people’s radar and already they’ve been drawn into something that would make most people have to change their underwear. I like that we are already seeing some strong characterisation and then as a reader I have to think outside what’s on the page to see who will and who won’t ultimately get along. This isn’t the only time you go outside what’s on the page and that kind of storytelling is exceptional to see.

     The pacing is great and I like the whole ebb & flow of the story. There is a great sense of how things that are progressing should and then could happen next. You almost want to be in the story itself and to interact with these characters while they spend their first night at school chasing stories. The way new characters are introduced is extremely well done and as the cast of characters expands we see more and more what is really behind this school. Also there are a few revelations in store for these kids and how they react to them is what is going to make them who they will become. I like that for now this is so new that it can be exciting and while the adrenaline isn’t wearing off they are staying for a bit. What happens when things “calm” down we’ll see.

     The interior artwork here is great. I love Veronica’s style and that she’s colouring this as well makes it all the better since everything is exactly what they want us to see. The attention to detail is extremely nice to see and the use of colours to do things like the glyphs are highlights in the book. The creativity and imagination on display here is exciting to see and with the utilisation of page layouts and how we see angles and perspective show off her amazing eye for storytelling. Also I really like how the folks are so individual in their appearances that’s a lot to do and its impressive.
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     The way they’ve gone about putting this together from premise through execution this is one of those books that should become a franchise and it has the potential to be one of the Teen + reading material that everyone goes gaga over. Yes think Potter.  

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The Standoff #1

6/29/2018

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The Standoff #1
Storm King Comics 2018
Written by David J. Schow
Illustrated by Andres Esparza
Coloured by Sergio Martinez
Lettered by Janice Chiang


     TATTERSALL PRISON. MAX LOCK. THE BADDEST OF THE BAD......until something from the night sky crashes into the complex, trapping cons and guards on the inside, cops on the outside, and escapees in-between...All of them threatened by a hideous invader who needs to take over nice, warm human bodies. It's a hostage situation. It's a battle between species. It's...EARTH'S MOST SERIOUS STANDOFF!

     First let me just say that Storm King Comics takes their work very seriously in that they strive to put out the best quality product humanly possible. Also the fact that they are able to weave these stories that feature such interesting science fiction premises with true real life horror is utterly amazing to me. I know that many of you see my reviews but have yet to experience these titles so I think this is a great moment or opportunity to find out why I love this so much. This is a new story it’s five issues and it is the perfect moment to really get that understanding why you need to be reading this.

     I really am enjoying the way that this is structured as David manages to create that stellar opening and carry that same excitement all the way through to the last page. The pacing is amazing and the way characters, situations, problems and current lack of solutions takes the reader inside the story and makes them feel like they are a part of it.

     That goes hand in hand with the characterisation here because while the Agent in charge is a woman who thinks she has to be a bitch to be effective at the Bureau may sound cliché but it works. The varying range of criminal types that are involved in this well they actually make up a large part of the population here and how they see and think of what’s happening I find utterly fascinating. Instead of trying to find a way out this Bonner decides to be a psycho and that is going to be fun to see play out with what else we are seeing here.

     There is one character whom I like and is kind of narrating bits and pieces of the story and somehow I think he’s an important part of all this but just how I have no idea. He is this enigma and I am quite sure he’s quietly one of the most dangerous men alive but there is this way about him that as a reader I find extremely fascinating. I think of all the characters introduced he’s the one that he’s the one that makes you more a part of this in that you try to figure him out. You go into a place that isn’t offered, his reason for being locked up, and you explore a myriad of possibilities and then are dying to find out what is right.

     The interiors here are simply stunning to behold. They are both bright and vibrant and dark and ominous seemingly at the same time. The linework has been manipulated through the varying weights to create subtle moments that are barely perceptible and then those bold lines that really hit you. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off this spectacular eye for storytelling. I like the amount of backgrounds we see being utilised as they do a lot to flesh out the prison and the surrounding areas. These are the little things to go a long way in helping to establish the scope of the story.
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     From concept through execution this is one of those moments that make the X-Files look like a kids program. If its not at your store then have them order it because trust me this is something that you should be reading.

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Shadow Roads #1

6/29/2018

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Shadow Roads #1
Oni Press 2018
Written by Cullen Bunn & Brian Hurtt
Illustrated by A.C. Zamudio
Coloured by Carlos N. Zamudio


     The world is thinnest at The Crossroads, the mythical plane that serves as a doorway throughout the universe. It is here, with the help of Kalfu, the mysterious Gatekeeper of the Crossroads, that Abigail Redmane begins gather a band of adventurers from across the rugged, Western frontier for a singular purpose: to fight back against the otherworldly creatures whose presence threatens to endanger the sanctity of all creation.

      First of all anytime these two men get together and do a story it’s time to sit up, pay attention and make sure it’s on your reading list. That is just a guaranteed good book in my humble opinion and so far I have yet to have that thought proven wrong. I also like that this is the same universe at a different era of Sixth Gun so while you don’t have to read that to understand what’s going on it’s still a nice segue between the series. If you haven’t checked out that you need to get the first trade.

     I am enamoured with how this flows through the pages. I love the two pronged approach as we open in London, England where Mr. James, call me Chief, is opening a new exhibit about the American Indian and their culture. Henry’s response to it is something that is both simple and complex and the way that we see it unfold in these pages is pretty damn glorious. There is so much here with him and Barry the aptly demonstrates the lack of knowledge and respect people have for other cultures and how it could considered offensive to put this exhibit together.

      The idea behind Henry who has come to Cambridge to study and having a harder time than that of a black man. Barry as his best friend is slightly unaware of the world around him and takes things at face value and I have to admit the characterisation is simply flawless. When hit the New Mexico Territory and meet up with Chesapeake “Chester” Smith and again I am talking about characterisation which absolutely took me there and threw me off the butte. So in the description it says that one character will gather a group of special forces if you will so while I wish I hadn’t read that it’s okay I will live but it will be interesting to see how that is done and how Henry and the young woman meet up with the rest and how that will continue to change the dynamic of the characters and how they act.

     I like the interior artwork here a lot too. The way they’ve managed to really capture the style of dress in different regions is extremely impressive to me. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in them shows off a strong eye for storytelling. That backgrounds are utilised is especially nice to see as it helps to expand the story in ways that words cannot do. The colouring here is marvellous as we colour gradation and light sources so well conceived. Then the attention to detail that we see and the varying weights of the linework that create the subtle moments to the bold ones. Overall I am so liking what I am seeing and I cannot wait to see what they bring to life next.
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     The things that occur here that seem to really integrate the supernatural into the story in ways that are surprising, kind of known and totally unexpected. There is a wonderful sense of awe and wonder alongside feeling that we’ve seen it before, historically set television programs, to make this as fresh and new as possible. With a solid premise along with this great pacing, plot and character development wrapped up in this wonderful interior artwork make this a must have series.

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Crimson Rider #1

6/28/2018

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Crimson Rider #1
Zach Davis Comics 2018
Written by Zach Davis
Illustrated by Tyler Sowles
Lettered by Justin Birch


     The comic is a public domain female western character, her name is Mary Bennon and on her 16th birthday a gang of bad folks kill her dad. She does what any of us would do, she puts on a creepy mask, cape and hat and hunts her fathers killers down.

     So one of the pitfalls of doing all of this by myself is that sometimes things get overlooked or forgotten and sit in my queue until I have no idea what it is. So I sincerely apologise to Zach for this having taken so long to get out. I had no idea that this was originally a public domain character and I am all the more thrilled by that fact after finding out about it. Those old forgotten characters that have someone care enough to bring them back to prominence well yeah and to keep within the realm of the original is just icing on the cake.

     I love the way that this is structured. The end of the tale is where we start, supposedly, and then we get the telling of the story of the Crimson Rider from her own mouth. It is a strong tactic to take in storytelling when there is finite tale. A clear beginning and ending, again we’ll see, that makes for a perfect introduction of Zach’s storytelling ability. I am actually extremely impressed with this book I loved the ebb & flow and the language that is used. Speaking of the language is rougher and less educated to the eye and ear and that is exactly how it should be so kudos.

     The opening is very well done as it’s eye catching, dynamic and completely captures the readers imagination. This is what it is supposed to do it makes you want to delve further into the story to see what’s happening, what’s potentially going to happen and all that jazz. It really has this presence about it that a self-published book usually doesn’t possess. This an exception and how is it that I haven’t run into Zach at a convention and been able to pick one of these up myself? Though I am thrilled that Zach thought to send it to me and that I finally figured out it was there to read and review.

     I am big fan of Tyler’s work on the interiors here. Black and white is always a tricky way to go, for self-published it makes sense when it comes to costs, because it is brutal when it comes to showing off mistakes just as much as it rewards the sensational use of linework through varying weights. There is nothing really simple about this I love the faces and facial expressions that we see on the pages. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a very nice eye for storytelling. That we see so many backgrounds being utilised is wonderful to me and really helps to enhance the story and the size and scope of where they are. Also the use of red here as the only colour was brilliant as well as what it represents.
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     This is why I always urge everyone to go around the artist alley and see the folks who are doing what they love to do. This is a shining example of hard work, dedication and love for what one does and the creative here is exemplary. Seek out https://www.zachdaviscomics.com/ and make sure to order yourself one of these and help them make the rest of the run. This is what the industry needs.

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Final Street #1

6/28/2018

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Final Street #1
Devil’s Due Comics 2018
Created & Written by Scott Schmidt
Created & Illustrated by Brian Atkins
Coloured by Juancho
Lettered by HdE


     An over-the-top gender reversal comic book tribute to beat 'em-up video games like Street Fighter, Double Dragon, and Final Fight. When Sullie's boyfriend Franklin is kidnapped by the vicious Bare Knucklers gang, she and her best friend Kumi hit the deadly streets of Transit City to rescue him. Little do they know they're about to stumble into a much bigger fight.

     Alright since this is self-described as such this is perfectly done in that regard. I found this to be all kinds of fun, it’s well written and it’s interesting to see how the personalities work so well with the gender reversal. Now I wouldn’t call this so much as an homage, though it could be seen like that, I think of it more as a love letter to the franchises of their youth. I will admit that when I saw the cover for this I thought okay this might be a train wreck but I am so happy to have been proven wrong. This is a brightly coloured extremely fun comic book version of a video game and it works exceptionally well.

     I like the way that this is structured there’s a great flow to the book and it easily gives us a look at the main characters in a way that doesn’t require us to have background information added. While we seem to be jumping right into the thick of it it doesn’t feel like I am missing anything. I like that about this, it just proves to me how well I consider this to be written. There is also the characterisation here that is very easy to recognise who is who and how the dialogue fits their personalities. I also like the way that it helps the story move forward its a nice integration.

      I really liked the surprise, well for me it was as I went into this completely blind, about Sullie’s boyfriend being the one who was abducted. Even better is that the fact that I have no idea why. There’s a nice mystery surrounding Franklin and why these Bare Knucklers were sent to retrieve him. I like it Scott has managed to really elevate this story in ways that are both entertaining and actually have a very strong story behind it. I hate to sound shocked but most of the titles that are similar to this really are a lot of cheesecake moments surrounded by fighting so to see a strong story woven into the action sequences.

     I am huge fan of the interiors here. Their vibrancy has an infectious quality to it that just draws you in and makes you a part of things. The linework is exceptionally well utilised through their varying weights. There is some really nice attention to detail whether it is in the camo colouring or the braids in Sullie’s hair. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a great eye for storytelling. One thing however is there are too few backgrounds being utilised, when we see the streets or the subway train those are the moments that expand the story beautifully and I wish we had more of that.

     If you are a fan of the rock em sock one on one video game franchises then you’ll really enjoy this offering. However if you aren’t then you really need to check this out anyway because it’s way past high time that the man is kidnapped and his woman is off to save him and hope to god he’s worth it. Plus her best mate is by her side and these two put the macho pairings to shame.
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     Fun, quirky and extremely entertaining this is one that’s more than worthy of your attention.


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Vampirella in Roses for the Dead #01

6/28/2018

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Vampirella in Roses For The Dead #01
Dynamite Entertainment 2018
Written by Kristina Deak-Linsner
Illustrated by Joseph Michael Linsner
Coloured by Ceci De La Cruz
Lettered by Jeff Eckleberry


     Vampirella hunts down a sexual predator in order to feed her insatiable thirst for blood. While tracking him down to a Philadelphia nightclub, Evily the Witch bars her path. They clash and the plan is thwarted. Do they both decide to team up against him, or remain at odds? Whatever the means, Vampi vows to get revenge!

     I am not really sure when I became a fan of Vampirella but I believe it solidified thanks to Desjardins interior artwork I can tell you that. Since then I haven’t missed a Vampirella story and yes Joseph is an iconic artist and to see his work here is pure joy for the eyes. Also next year its time to celebrate Vampirella’s 50th Anniversary so be prepared to have a few amazing stories told by some amazing people!

     I like the way that this issue is structured. There is a nice ebb & flow to how we see events unfold and learn what is kind of going on. The opening here does exactly what it’s supposed to it captures the attention beautifully and draws you so that you want to know what’s happening and see how things unfold, oh and wait because the new character Evily means a misunderstanding fight. Always the best kind too since we can really gage some power levels that way. So yeah the way that Kristina is taking us on this journey is extremely well done.

     The intrigue I get off the story and how it begins is so intense it surprised me. Right off the bat you see Evily, who names themselves that I mean it sounds automatically like a villain?, in this outrageous outfit and following a magical butterfly. Who is this woman? And why is she so concerned about the woman in the hospital? Then we see Vampi and I gotta tell ya I was so utterly impressed with just the whole confident vibe I got off the pages. This work by all of them is amazing I mean you feel the mood of the character during their spotlight and that’s a mighty rare thing.

     I have to talk about the interior artwork now. I am blown away the style, the attention to detail and the little things like seeing Vampi add a skirt to her outfit these all are things that we see which tend to be taken for granted. Then there’s the page layouts, I mean I love that the pages are full some have little background stuff that kind frames the page others just have something to keep the mood up all of it really keeps the eye moving. This is what someone who’s eye for storytelling is exceptional and then of course the angles and perspective that we see along with the facial expressions throwing shade like Drag Queens is so much fun to see.

      Blake, okay so there is more to this man than meets the eye and that we don’t know for sure what that is means I have that earworm telling me we can’t miss next issue. I am truly astonished that I am so taken with this one by the Linsners work here and how in sync everything seems to be. From the writing and the interior artwork that by the way let’s not forget Ceci’s colours which add a vibrancy and impact to the book, see the magic in action for perfect example. Even Jeff’s lettering has an impact and the way he can highlight words is something we take for granted.
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     If this is the beginning of the celebration for her 50th Anniversary then I cannot wait to see what is going to come after this. I mean this this is what makes fans, of the character and the creators involved.  

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Bedtime Games #1

6/28/2018

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Bedtime Games #1
Dark Horse Comics 2018
Created & Written by Nick Keller
Illustrated by Conor Nolan
Coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettered by John J. Hill


     As summer comes to an end, three friends start senior year with a bang by exploring the mysterious past of their school. But before the night is over, their adventure turns into trouble when the kids set loose an evil that seeks to prey on their worst nightmares.
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     Sometimes something looks intriguing and when you get to it you can either be disappointed or beyond happy, yes it always stay in the middle but that’s another story. This looked interesting and it exceeded all expectations I had for it. I’m an old guy and I grew up way before Goosebumps but I do know of it and I know enough to say what Nick has created here is the next level for those Goosebumps fans. It is smarter, has a stronger edge to it and there’s another reason I'll touch on shortly not to mention it has this really interesting aspect to the story.

     What may have impressed me the most is what Nick has decided to do with these characters backgrounds. Each one of them is damaged in some way, shape or form and it leads me to that theory that like minded people find each other, shared history in the manner that they go through similar experiences and may not talk about them but leaves them haunted. It is like that you recognise people intrinsically that let you know they’ll be your friends/family from here on forward. To understand their personalities you have to understand their pasts and the way that is presented to us is a huge wow factor.

     The way that this is structured is pretty awesome. We’re introduced to the kids, a trio of mischievous teenagers, as they search for a door. Now I liked this for a number of reason and you’ll more than likely find your own reasons to but the door, the idea, the mythology of the school and all that jazz while it feels taken from other franchises still feels rather unique and fresh. I think Nick nails the teenage mindset in a way few others have been able to do and that each generation thinks the ones before it were stupid and messed things up for them and they are the ones to do it right. Yeah it is the truth that’s how we all felt at that age you can lie about it but we all know the truth.

     I like the interiors here they have a comic book/fantasy/illustrated novel feel about it. Between Conor and Kelly this is the kind of work that makes a story standout and be noticed. It blurs the boundaries between novelization and comic books and that’s gorgeous to me, plus it reminds me of work that used to be done by illustrators for the covers of my teenage books. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a great eye for storytelling. I love that the we see so much backgrounds in use here to really expand the moments we’re in. Also I think there’s some interesting use of creativity and imagination here and that hits at one point and you’ll know when you see it.
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     Already I love this it crosses over the generational gap nicely and teens and adults will find it relatable and exciting. It has that ring of being a next generation franchise of horror aimed at the Goosebumps generation. I think this much smarter and far more interesting than that franchise and falls almost into the Three Investigators realm of mystery, intrigue and scares. Absolutely incredibly well written with some stunningly gorgeous interiors this is one you kick yourself over if you miss out on it.

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Multiple Man #1

6/27/2018

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Multiple Man #1
Marvel Comics 2018
Written by Matt Rosenberg
Illustrated by Andy MacDonald
Coloured by Tamra Bonvillain
Lettered by VC’s Travis Lanham


     A handful of people’s favorite X-Man – Jamie Madrox – was alive for a while. Then he was dead. Now he’s not. But he will be again if he doesn’t kill himself trying to make sure he doesn’t die. It makes sense when you read it. Trust us. In his fight to not die, Jamie has stumbled across a threat even greater than his own death, but fixing it might make it worse. Can he save the world from himself? On top of all that, the X-Men are mad at him now, and a mysterious new group of foes is after him, too. We can’t tell you who they are, but they’re pretty great.

     First I love Jamie and over the years we’ve seen be silly stupid to deadly serious and the loop that it continues on. As a fan of the character and all his numerous transformations over the years I was going to be reading this off the bat. However really surprised me here and in one of the best ways you could possibly imagine. Not only is Illyana’s team the one who finds Jamie in the opening but any time that the New Mutants get to be shown I will be there.

     There is one thing I don’t get and that’s in the past, X-Factor Investigations to be specific, Guido and Jamie were best friends so how is it that he’s asking Hank about what happened to him? Or is this a case of Guido died first, then Jamie and then Guido came and now Jamie. Also this is too much to handle mentally stop killing em off only to bring them back it diminishes the death and makes readers form betting pools on how long till they are resurrected.

     One aspect about this that I really like is how this ends and you’ll have to read the issue to fully understand that but it will be worth it. This goes along with the fact that he is one of Jamie’s prime dupes who has a specialisation all his own and while that pales in comparison to Hanks knowledge of science and medicine this is the Jamie version. In an air tight sealed bunker where he was able to experiment on himself to prevent a catastrophe like the one that happened yeah okay. Just the fact that this dupe is the science aspect of Jamie is something to cheer about and that Matt is keeping that aspect alive and well here is to be appreciated.

     I like the way that this is structured and how effortlessly if flows through the pages. I like the use of narration boxes to tell the story he doesn’t want to hear while he does something rash and foolish, it’s Jamie. Still being at the X-Mansion, which still doesn’t resonate in my mind that it isn’t in it’s usual place, is a nice setting so that the characters we see can be pulled in easily enough.

     The interiors here are cute, a bit simple and lacking in real consistent attention to detail. Still they are very comic book oriented which is nice. I have to ask about why he looks about the age of Tom Holland? He’s comes off much too youthful and he’s a grown ass man and even depending on when he split he’d have aged at the same rate. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a nice eye storytelling. I’d like see backgrounds utilised more but I think these days that’s asking a lot.
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     This is a nice start, not overly great but solid. While for me it may contain holes and questions half the mutant books around I couldn’t even follow any longer with all the dead, resurrected and with the sheer amount who come and go seemingly at random. It’s five issues and I can give it that and hopefully the next one will be the serious take.

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