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READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

Scooby Apocalypse #3

7/28/2016

Scooby Apocalypse #3
DC Comics 2016
Written by J.M. DeMatteis
Illustrated by Dale Eaglesham & Howard Porter
Coloured by Hi-Fi
Lettered by Nick Napolitano

   So far I have say that so far what they are doing with this series is genius. All the fun that came from my childhood growing up with the Jinkies and the Zoinks taken to whole new level of realism and craziness where monsters are genetically created is the kind of awesome that grows up with the original fans.

   The way the guys are telling this is really nice, as we see the gang not only discovering about their new reality but also getting a feel for each other. That this is a brand new group dynamic that has trace elements of what we’ve seen in the past, Daphne’s television show from when they went their separate ways for a while, to this bonded friendship between Shaggy and Scooby along with new elements in them it’s a nice way to feel connected but still learning.

   What Dale is laying down with the interiors here is utterly fantastic. It really is a new generational look at the latest trends in looks and fashion where Shaggy as a hipster is actually kind of hotter than Fred. Then there’s the way the story flows through the pages and panels with a great look towards what an apocalyptic world, their apocalyptic world looks like. The attention to detail is fantastic between the way Dale manages to make the monsters to the backgrounds it’s all done extremely well.

   I like the characterization here as we see aspects of the gang that we’ve only seen hinted at until now. The relationship between Fred and Daphne and his love for her that is, for now, unrequited to Velma’s scientific curiosity that helped set everything in motion so far and the friction that’s causing between them all is being handled extremely well. In many aspects this is very much one of those examples of how a team can be put together on the fly where they bond unexpectedly and on levels they don’t realize in a world gone mad.

   The way that they are finding out what exactly their world looks like now is great. Velma only understands partially what’s happening and as far as I can tell has no real way to know how to fix it but with the help of her newfound friends she wants to try. It’s actually a very smart look and take on what we’ve come to expect from the genre or mix of genres as the case may be. This whole monsters ruling at the end of the world, caused by people who wanted to control the course of history, and a small band of heroes off to save the day well it’s one of the few re-imaginings that work better than expected.

Tales From the Darkside #2

7/23/2016

Tales from the Darkside #2
IDW Publishing 2016
Script by Joe Hill
Adaptation by Michael Benedetto
Illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez
Coloured by Ryan Hill
Lettered by Robbie Robbins

   No secret I wasn’t a big fan of the first issue but this one is one I can sink my teeth into. It combines science with esp type powers to create something that for one man is terrifying and for a corporation a way to recreate these abilities in others. I mean look at history and you’ll see those who can things others can’t were either worshiped or destroyed the in later stages of civilisation we see governments trying to create subjects who gain those esp powers for use in war or spying. This takes that one step further and and actually creeps you out.

   What i liked about this issue is that through the characterization we’re able to see how and why Brian is like he is. That as a child he uses his gifts for the first time and experiences a seizure after using them, this tells me it’s his mind's way of counterbalancing what he’s doing. The manifestation of his dark passenger is a reflex action to help him cope with what’s happening. All things considered we get a really good look at Brian, what he can do and the consequences thereof, namely how his life has turned out for him.

Conveniently his car breaks down and he’s picked up by a gentlemen who knows way too much about him. Personally alarm bells would’ve gone off and i’d have tried to escape but what he’s offered seems too good to be true. We’ll see if the old adage “if something seems too good to be true….” is accurate for this or not be the end of next issue in the meantime the whole situation is shaded by hope and creepiness, the latter on more levels than you’ll expect.

Gabriel knows how to do creepy and the way he’s able to demonstrate Brian’s dark passenger as well as the use of his abilities is great. There’s so much life and expression that’s going on here through the characters faces and facial expressions. The way the story flows through the pages and panels, with the attention to detail and the ever present Rubix Cube is incredibly well done. Also his use of backgrounds is wonderful and helps to really flesh out the bigger picture here.

   Alright now if this organization that Mr. Finney works for that’s supposed to help Brian is going to permeate the remainder of the series and look into situations like this for their own personal gain then I’m all for that. This is the kind of setup that I love as they either get their comeuppance or they succeed and do irreparable damage either way it’s the kind of story that readers can get behind.

   The guys know how to do disarmingly weird and creepy all the while throwing a few twists and turns into the mix to keep us guessing. This one is great and I look forward to seeing just how Brian’s mind works and what will happen next.

Lucas Stand #2

7/23/2016

Lucas Stand #2 (of 6)
Boom! Studios 2016
Created by Kurt Sutter
Written by Kurt Sutter & Caitlin Kittredge
Illustrated by Jesus Hervas
Coloured by Adam Metcalfe
Lettered by Jim Campbell

   There’s a freshness to the idea behind all this that while familiar is new and different. Lucas was at his wits end and tried to end his own life only to have that attempt intervened with by the Devil himself who wanted him, with his special skill set, to be an agent for him. Wishing to live he takes him up on that offer.

   So this issue we get to see more about the conversation between Lucas and the Devil and this kind of serves to flesh out the deal and their characters more. I like that Lucas and by extension the reader is less clear on what’s really going on here and that being the newbie is learning on the fly. It adds to the drama of who to trust more and while Gadrel’s informants, humans in a fixed point in time who know the score, seem to know more than Lucas it’s the learning curve that i’m enjoying discovering alongside him.

   The time travel aspect of this series is another element i’m looking forward to seeing explored as the story continues. From Nazi occupied France to the present to where he ends up at the end of the story Lucas’ knowledge of history is going to be put to the test and i’m not sure he’ll pass with flying colours. Still an honest, harsh look at what goes on during these time periods and how Gadrel and his opposing force work in these times is just as fascinating.

   Jesus and Adam do a great job on the interiors here. I like the interpretation of the devil and the demons that need killing. The characters themselves have a nice quality to them that keeps the series darker and more on track with the subject matter. The way the book flows through the pages and panels is nicely done. There’s enough attention to detail that people and things are easily identifiable and yet there’s also a nice amount of freedom to use the reader’s imagination to flesh the rest out. That first look at the abandoned place Simon takes them to has this eerie majestic quality to it and it’s a stand out moment.

   Is this a story of redemption or just a case of Lucas being used for what he’s both capable of and that in the grand scheme of things does he matter that little? There’s a nice amount of openness in that so as we learn more about him and his personality continues to grow and evolve that we’ll see where he’s heading.

   Balancing the forces in the world is never easy and should one side or the other gain a stronger foothold well then everything’s off balance and it seems that Lucas has found himself a new mission. Who and what to believe is what he’s learning along the way and we’ll see just what role he will ultimately play in the grand scheme of things because with his ever questioning and growing conscious nothing is ever as easy as it seems.

Robyn Hood I Love NY #2

7/23/2016

Robyn Hood I Love NY #2 (of 12)
Zenescope Entertainment 2016
Written by Lou Iovino
Illustrated by Sergio Arino & DAvid Lorenzo Riveiro
Coloured by Grostieta & Hedwin Zaldivar
Lettered by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios

   A new chapter of Robyn’s life began the moment she met Gabby Martin. After stopping the young girl’s would-be mugger, Gabby tells Robyn about a local drug gang whose hold on the city is growing. She decides to investigate and manages to take out a small node of the gang’s dealers. But she knows it won’t be enough—the city needs her. So Robyn decides to reopen Nottingham Investigation and get back to business.

   Without Marian it seems that Robyn’s more altruistic nature is tempered with her desire to make money. I like it and I don’t because I think later in the story there’s something I kind of have an issue with but we’ll get that in due time. In the meantime I do like that she’s going about this the right way for a change instead of going blindly in she’s asking questions doing research and scoping things out. The characterization from Lou is really strong and she’s still this tough as nails chick and there are glimpses she actually cares and it’s good to see that.

   I’m really liking the interior artwork the line work is good and the attention to detail is amazing. The use of angles and perspective are fantastic and the whole flow of this book is great. Even with two artists on the book it’s still has this seamless transition so you don’t really realize how many different folks are working on this. Also I really like the whole creativity in this lizard men they’ve got this familiarity and yet originality to em that’s nice.

   So that we are introduced to new threats and quite possibly a mysterious old one in this issue. We’ve seen her deal with a myriad of different types of creatures but this is different and that they’ve managed to rise up and take a foothold down in the sewers and until now, coincidence no I think not, have gone undetected. What i’d like to see is Robyn use some of these folks that she talked to in this issue as human lookouts, informants or what have you as that would be a smart move and showcase her growth outside the whole supernatural community.

   The end of this issue is great as Robyn helps one of the folks she meets this issue but i’m more than a little surprised and perplexed that she lets go of the lizard men so easily. Sure she saved the kind but those creatures pose a threat and there’s no mention she tried to see what was up with them. That doesn’t sit well right now.

   My minor annoyance aside I do really like this as Robyn sets up shop again and is cementing her place with the commissioner and her young friend. It still feels like we’re in the setup stage as we learn what’s really happening behind the scenes to draw Robyn out. She does need a supporting cast of characters, not someone to run around doing the investigations with per se but she does need that interaction. In the meantime i’m enjoying seeing how this new chapter in life is playing out.

Weird Detective #2

7/22/2016

Weird Detective #2
Dark Horse Comics 2016
Written by Fred Van Lente
Illustrated by Guiu Vilanova
Coloured by Mauricio Wallace
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot

DETECTIVE SEBASTIAN GREENE, AN ANCIENT creature from beyond space and time in disguise, is trying to track down the Juice Box Killer, who’s leaving the empty skins of human victims all over NYC. Greene’s own partner, Sana Fayez, has been ordered to spy on him by the suspicious brass. So he’s tricked her into a trap set by the Deep One–tainted Anzio crime family to catch the boy they believe murdered their don’s daughter, when in fact they both were also victims of the JBK . . .

This is pretty intense series as Sebastian tries to set up Sana to get her off his trail you really get the sense that there is no real sense of honour among any of them. Granted she was tasked with spying on him and uncovering his secrets but still. Then to see her in action I was as impressed as Sebastian was with her skills. This is one woman you don’t want to mess with. Though I have to say when he read the mind of one of the men two things popped into my head, one that it was grossly sexual and two did he die or does he remember having his face then brain licked?

So then I do like added mystery and J. Randall Carter and his books, i’m guessing the covers of those are what we see in loft, add to that. So is he some kind of psychic whose going to offer his services to the chief in order to help solve these killings and try to get another best seller out of it? Who knows but in all honesty that’s the route i’d take it in.

Alright so the characterization and story development here is incredible. The interaction between all the characters is fast paced and very illuminating as you see how the dynamics are all supposed to play out. There’s plenty of tension and mistrust at every turn so it’s pretty impressive that any cases at all get closed. Though that’s why Sebastian’s being kept an eye on since his close rate is impressive.

Things do get even weirder if that’s possible to believe as Sebastian takes what he’s learned and gone off on his own to investigate.

I like the interiors here they have a great flow through the pages and panels. The attention to detail is really nice to see and the use of backgrounds, angles and perspective have a great feel to them. That we see Sebastian use his abilities almost as if out of the corner of the eye instead of straight on really does wonders for keeping the reality and mystery slightly blurred and yet recognizable.

There’s a lot more here than meets the eye. Yes it’s a great detective story, it’s a great science fiction story and it’s also a great monster story, what else is killing people and leaving just their skin? Fred delivers surprises at every turn and packs a lot of characterization and story into such a small amount of space that works to keep you guessing and wanting to know what’s going to happen next.

Sombra #1

7/22/2016

Sombra #1 (of 4)
Boom! Studios 2016
Written by Justin Jordan
Illustrated by Raul Trevino
Coloured by Juan Useche
Lettered by Jim Campbell

   You have to leave the Hollywood ideal on what a DEA Agent does at the door before reading this. The “War on Drugs” was started to garner support and funding and it’s naive to think that it’s actually working. Cartels they are like Hydra’s cut off on head two more take it’s place they aren’t going anywhere so the best you can do is minimize the damage and make a few public arrests to let people know that things are still happening. Then there’s the violence and well that’s all too real so what Justin and Raul bring to this isn’t your fantasy version it’s more real life than you might expect so proceed at your own risk.

   We open with fantastic video footage and the introduction of Danielle. She’s been with the DEA El Paso Division for four years now and footage pertains to an agent who went off the reservation as it were. After being pushed too far and knowing the tactics of the company were only going to get more good people killed he decided to take a different route so now the question becomes what happened to Conrad Marlowe and what do they do about him? Both Danielle and her boss have a personal stake in this and for very different reasons so this is more than just a case.

   So Danielle goes to Mexico City to do her job. Only this is first time in Mexico and she’s still young and wet behind the ears. That means she doesn’t fully grasp the severity of her situation and what she’s doing. Her presence here complicates matters for everyone from the local constabulary to the Cartels to herself and she’s cocky and naive enough to not realize what she’s gotten into. I love the writing from Justin and the dialogue between characters. That Danielle has her typical American attitude where she understands only her point of view instead of the larger picture is expertly portrayed here.

   I like the interiors too as they are expressive and showcase just enough to show the horror, emotions and get across everything we need to feel and experience while not going too far over the edge. Raul has a great eye for how this needs to be told and the use of angles, perspective and backgrounds really do wonders in helping us see the world these people inhabit, one that’s in plain sight and yet hidden from view.

   This is the kind of crazy good storytelling where fact and fiction blur, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction after all. Where embellishments aren’t needed to make a point and people are changed by the truth they think they want to know but will be better off having walked away from. I’m not saying this is closer to fact than fiction but it is an honest and brutal look at a world we know next to nothing about. So are you prepared to see it from a perspective that leaves you uncomfortable and questioning the actions that are or aren’t taken?

   Enter the darker world of drug cartels and the men and women affected the war on drugs in ways you’ll never forget.

Faith #1

7/22/2016

Faith #1
Valiant Entertainment 2016
Written by Jody Houser
Illustrated by Pere Perez
Fantasy Sequence Art by Marguerite Sauvage
Origin Sequence Art by Colleen Doran
Coloured by Andrew Dalhouse
Lettered by Dave Sharpe

   Well for those of you who haven’t read the previous story no worries as this does a great job on catching you up on Faith’s story to date. It pretty much gives you everything you need to know so you jump right in and enjoy and well there’s a lot here to enjoy.

   After we catch up on how she got to where she is now we start of with a Mythos & Mayhem campaign. Yes Faith is a geek and she’s proud of it, loves her comics and D&D gaming so it’s nice she’s finding friends that she hangout with and have somewhat of a normal life with. Also that Jody through this in is fantastic because let that geek girl flag fly proudly we need to see more women like this!

   I like how events are able to be tied together and something small can turn into something huge. Also that Faith is so incredibly naive and innocent that she doesn’t understand how law enforcement works or the apprehension of criminals even in the midst of an act it just demonstrates the kind of person she and how much further she needs to go still. Speaking of that with her boss and Jay knowing her secret there’s a lot more going on here that she has to contend with that she’s totally not prepared for. So how she’ll be able to keep acquiescing to people before she learns to stand up for herself will be interesting to watch.

   Faith isn’t your standard hero, she’s a girl trying to figure it all out who has a penchant for daydreaming. I love when receives an invitation and has that flight of fantasy and then calls, skypes, with Archer about it and doesn’t like his reaction to it. Her history so far with meeting her idols as it were has proven to be well questionable at best.

   The interior artwork here is great. The use of pages and panels to control the flow is well done and the use of angles and perspective make things interesting. Different artists for different segments didn’t disrupt anything and really nice set apart the fantasy stuff from reality where Pere really has this great grasp of everyday people, those who don’t go to the gym and have the look that goes with it. The use of backgrounds are well done when we see them and help complete the bigger picture and give us that mood and feel of what’s happening.

The writing, story development, pacing and characterization here are fantastic. Jody gives us enough stuff here to keep exploring, fleshing out her world and to expand her social circle.   I like that with everything that’s come before this feels like a great introduction as well as a continuation and either way new and returning readers can slip right in and enjoy what’s happening.

She’s not like other people Faith and it will interesting to see how she deals with the real world and her version of it and along the way maybe do some good and save the city.

Snotgirl #1

7/21/2016

Snotgirl #1
Image Comics 2016
Created & Written by Bryan Lee O’Malley
Created & Illustrated by Leslie Hung
Coloured by Mickey Quinn
Lettered by Mare Odomo

   So Lottie is a fashion blogger who lives a life that is not what it seems. See she puts up a nice front and all her photo’s are meticulously shot but she also suffers from severe allergies that cause her nose to run constantly. This is her story and it’s not exactly what you should be expecting it to be.

   I think what Bryan does is introduce us to a woman who is so insecure and self absorbed in living a life that’s a lie she’s lost who she is. We see this throughout this issue as she tries to juggle life outside her house with the problems that her allergies bring. I think the kind of characterization that he brings to Lottie is the kind where any reader can associate with knowing someone like that in real life. The masking of insecurities and doing things to be accepted by others, the whole nine yards.

   There are a few things that do happen that make you wonder. She gets a new Allergy Doctor, her regular one is apparently on vacation, and a new experimental medication. She also meets a new friend Caroline who outwardly seems perfect. What could possibly go wrong with this new combination? She’s stepping out of her comfort zone and trying new things.

   Leslie does a really nice job on the interiors here. I like the overall effect and that even with her runny nose it’s not gross out stuff it just is a part of her. It’s got this very much what I like to refer to as American Manga look and feel to it that perfectly suits the series. Her eye for storytelling through the use of pages and panels is strong. The use of angles and perspective to show a range of emotions and capture the mood and feel of what’s happening is done nicely.

   Outwardly this is a cutesy book but there’s a surprising amount of depth to it and some unexpected developments that are cause to pause. I do like that it’s very much about a girl who lives her life not by her own ideals but by what she wants others to think of her. It’s kind of a modern day thing where personalities seem to get lost in the shuffle and the desire to be liked, famous and cool are more important. But then what happens when reality comes crashing down and have to deal with that? Well that’s what i’m looking forward to seeing.

   I love being surprised and this one certainly did that. Go in with no expectations except to enjoy yourself and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you find here!

They Came From Planet Earth #1

7/21/2016

They Came From Planet Earth #1
Insane Comics 2016
Written & Lettered by Dave Scacchi
Illustrated by Gary Welsh

   It’s been several years since mankind witnessed the strange lights on the Moon. After sending several probes, images sent back from the Lunar surface revealed enormous spires of unknown origins scattered across the landscape; structures that were not there during the Apollo missions. Astronauts sent to investigate soon discovered the Moon is not a natural planetary body--but, a hollow alien superstructure designed as a “cage” containing a controllable wormhole. In the name of exploration, brave scientists are sent through. This is their story…..

   This is another book from Insane that demonstrates why you need to pay attention to this company. I like that we have the intro to let us know what’s going on and that we open up with a team heading into an unknown atmosphere and being completely unprepared. It’s very much the opposite of most alien invasion stories as humans are the ones going to another world in a science fiction adventure.

   This issue is nicely done as we get to meet the characters and get an understanding of the inhabitants of this strange world. With very much an Earth type atmosphere with a very different species rising up to dominance. So the crew crash lands on this planet and they are seen as the invaders and are treated as such upon the ones finding their ship. I think that’s appropriate all things considered and it’s what we’d do on Earth if the same thing occurred.

   So first contact kind of goes the way you’d expect and that’s at least one freaking out about meeting the alien species they came to discover. The remaining scientists then are taken hostage, well let’s face it we’d do the same thing so the parallels here are nicely done. The writing and characterization of these characters is very well done. Also that we cannot understand what this species is saying is all the better as we have to rely upon the actions we see on the page.

   Gary does a very nice job on the interiors and the creativity he shows in these aliens to make them both familiar, menacing and a surprising rise to intelligent dominance is clearly represented. Personally I see two major influences in them but i’ll wait to see more before I decide as we’ve only this scouting party so far. The way he uses the pages and panels to show the flow of the story is nicely done. His use of backgrounds is excellent and helps give the reader a greater scope of feeling of the characters surroundings. Also I really like the black, white and gray tones as it has this old school movie feel to it.

   Trapped on an alien planet with cut off communication wise from home and seemingly no help coming what is the crew of the Rubicon supposed to do and how are they going to get out this? With a few surprises up his sleeve still Dave manages to start off this series generating a plausible science fiction tale that grabs the reader’s attention. This is a keeper for those who love to watch old black and white science fiction tales and for those who like the modern day versions as well.

Betty & Veronica #1

7/21/2016

Betty & Veronica #1
Archie Comics 2016
WRitten & Illustrated by Adam Hughes
Coloured by Jose Villarrubia
Lettered by Jack Morelli

   The highly anticipated new series from Adam Hughes is finally here! Betty and Veronica have been the best of friends and frenemies for so long now and with this new series we see all of that on display. This first issue was extremely well done by Adam and has all the feelings of the classic friendship while still being modern and fitting in with their new vision. I love that this story is being narrated by Hot Dog as if it were some sort of television programme and starts at it’s climax and then reverts to how this opening page came to be.

   I know this is about the girls but Adam opens up with Archie and Jughead and it’s the first time i’ve seen them look this good and Jughead in particular. Even with that nose which looks good on him here. We open with the boys because they are on their way to the girls and it’s nice to see this hands on strong Betty in contrast to the spoiled, that’s why I have servants, Veronica.

   The witty banter aside, the kind that only friends can get away with while talking to each other by the way, there’s humour in some unexpected ways. Jughead trying to lift a bag of stones that Betty has no problems with for instance is a joy to see and goes a long way in her characterization here without having to do the descriptive route. So the quartet has decided to go have a bite to eat at Pop’s just the four of them and away they go.

   Now this is Archie and as Hot Dog talks about this cast of characters they run into a slight problem and then something that gets them riled up. It’s kind of classic stuff they have to band together in a cause to stop what they consider an injustice to a local institution. This is where we get to see the activist Betty in all her glory as she’s the driving force behind the injustice and effort to save something that all the kids love.

   The story is great it’s well told, the characterization is utterly delightful and while stays true to what’s come before it really is that more modern take that the company was aiming for. The girls ever at odds and besties with one another face another conflict that could tear them apart or bring them closer together. Or instead of friends it’ll finally be the rivalry for the ages between them only this time Archie isn’t the prize.

   Oh the added bonus of seeing Midge and Moose and their personalities are just an added bonus this issue. Personalities galore and some may surprise you others won’t.

   Then there’s the other thing Adam’s famous for and that’s his interior artwork. I cannot believe we’ve waited this long for him to do an Archie book! His work is amazing and who knew that the girls could be both wholesome and sexy at the same time? His use of pages and panels, which have backgrounds that complete the look and feel beautifully are extremely well done. Heck even the kitsch gimmick moments work extremely well and he’s really outdone himself with what he’s brought to the table here.

   This is how I want all the Archie books to look it’s just so perfectly done from story to characterization to artwork.