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

Today's reviews!

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

Facebook Link

Pestilence A Story of Satan #3

7/31/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Pestilence A Story of Satan #3
Aftershock Comics 2018
Written by Frank Tieri
Illustrated by Oleg Okunev
Coloured by Rob Schwager
Lettered by Marshall Dillon


     Knights, zombies, demons, corruption, death, betrayal and Satan...the Seven Deadly Ingredients involved in the making of this issue of PESTILENCE!

     With each issue it seems Satan’s hold on this world strengthens and out intrepid band of heroes loom closer and closer to becoming either his minions or facing a true death. With the addition of his wife and son the dynamic has changed and I have to say the dialogue has never been better! I love Geoffrey and he really kind of defines the phrase boorish brute but he’s also damn funny in my humble opinion. I mean forget for a moment that the kids there this is the plague on steroids and Satan’s army is has come through the gate the kids gonna have to grow up damn fast if he’s to survive this and a few phrases here and there, or swearing in general shouldn’t be a problem. So yes it makes me laugh to see that the writing mixes the good the bad and the ugly.

     Without knowing that it is the Pope who now houses Satan the small force heads to the most logical place to pick up weapons that would be of use in this fight. I am seriously impressed with how Frank is writing this book I mean the intricacies of how he manages to get characters where they think they need to be and how it would always seem like someone is one step ahead is so well done. I mean with the Pope being incognito and the Knights Templars informant inside the Vatican one would think things would be different than they are.

     I love the tension that we feel throughout the story and when we see Thomas facing the reality of his situation while simultaneously Roderick and his merry band find themselves in a trap you don’t know quite exactly how to feel. It is wonderfully done and that kind of nail biting edge of your seat stuff that you never know how it will end. Though honestly I thought Thomas would be raped by that heavy set guy with the rather thick member holding his head down. And yes for the record the thought turned me on somewhat.

     God I love the interiors here as well. The linework that Oleg has here and how he’s able to manipulate that with such subtlety is utterly amazing. From the way he can bring the church to life to the human body without being afraid of male or female parts and do it with respect, even during the fornication in the background is impressive to me. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a superb eye for storytelling. So with such attention to detail going on I do wish we’d gotten backgrounds in every panel, I mean wow what a way to expand the story and bring us the scope of this world.

     So that this is as far as you can get from a traditional story involving the Church is utterly fantastic for me. That they have managed to take the Plague and make it something so much more than it was while keeping the whole devastation it caused still intact has been pretty genius. Then why not throw in zombies and then use those that were made whole again by the Holy Grail were nothing more than sleeper agents for Satan yeah everything about this keeps getting more intense, more complicated and just that much more fun to see unfold.
​

     This is what I would like to see unfold on television now that traditional zombie’s are falling out of fashion. This is insanely smart writing, characterisation and dialogue alongside such evocative illustrations make Pestilence the beginning of a modern horror franchise.

0 Comments

Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer #2

7/31/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer #2
Hard Case Crime/Titan Comics 2018
Story by Mickey Spillane & Max Allan Collins
Written by Max Allan Collins
Illustrated by Marcelo Salaza & Marcio Freire
Lettered by Tom Williams


She was a beautiful blonde and she was in trouble. Usually, that’s all | need to know. When your name is Mike Hammer, certain things are expected of you. But on our way out of the Zero Club, we almost got hit by a speeding car...on the sidewalk. | killed the reckless driver and his gun slinging rider, so maybe it was time for the doll to fill in a few details.

     I am enjoying this immensely it is long overdue to be able to stories like this once again grace our lives. Forget politically correct because that’s not Mike Hammer he likes his Dames or Broads a lot and he shoots his gun off near reckless abandon though he does get his man. Mike is a man’s man and right now in this day and age most folks don’t understand that and honestly while too many people look to be offended by something this is the kind of story where you have to remember this is the past and everything was perfectly acceptable at that time so sit back relax and for heaven’s sake ENJOY!

     The way that this is structured is very nicely done. From the strength of the dialogue to the subject matter and just how the whole thing flows through the pages with it’s revelations and twists and turns make this a great combination of classic literature and modern comics. The transitions from segment to segment are smooth and well constructed and it never feels like we’re thrust from one moment to the next. Also there is an aspect in this story that I found was exceptionally well handled and that’s the fact that Mike’s a philanderer and Helen has no qualms about using sex to get what she wants. This combination makes the sex easy for this story and well what a Mike Hammer story be without the dame in his bed?

     One of the most pleasant surprises in all this is Velda. She’s sassy and is a version of Betty Page to eyes and it’s not just that she’s a licensed Private Investigator and a deadly shot so that she plays the role of Mike’s secretary may seem odd at first as the story continues and we see more of her the more I begin to see the real role she plays here. I don’t think enough folks realise what really went on in this era of mobsters, molls and private dicks. Me I love a good mystery filled with hidden agenda’s, people who aren’t what they seem and plenty of murder and mayhem.

     The interiors here are great. I like the manipulation of the linework so that we can see everything from the most subtle designs to the boldest of moments showcasing how the level of attention to detail can increase the enjoyment we get from the story. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a solid eye for storytelling. We also see a fair amount of backgrounds being utilised and that helps give us depth perception, expands the moment and gives the story more scope. The colouring here is marvellous and the way a light source is used, focused on and the highlights and shading that we see make everything feel more real.
​

     This is some old school unapologetic storytelling and it’s so very well done. Yes it’s taken right from the master but Max is no slouch either the man can take a premise or outline and flesh it out and make it feel like a brand new entity. Hard Case Crime has another franchise on it’s hands where the past needs to be more a part of the present and future of entertainment.

0 Comments

Archie's SuperTeens versus Crusaders #2

7/31/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Archie’s Superteens versus Crusaders #2
Archie Comics 2018
Written by Ian Flynn, David Williams & Gary Martin
Illustrated by Kelsey Shannon, David Williams & Gary Martin
Lettered by Jack Morelli


     There are a lot of things about this to love and it doesn’t have to be about the Archie’s though there is that. Okay so while yes I am a little disappointed that Reggie, Kevin and the others played no role in this story the fact that Archie’s superheroes were unearthed for it made up for that. I mean while the updating of many of them is nice and brings things to a more modern feel I would love to see a limited run, minimum six issues, of the originals with these fantastically outdated costumes.

     Heck Mr. Justice, Captain Commando, Bob Phantom, Inferno, Black Jack and The Fox as a team yes please and thank you. This is a team resplendent in full costumed regalia that I would like to see in action more. This is what a good story is supposed to do, it takes the reader places that they weren’t expecting to go to and envisioning things that aren’t there. It is also an absolutely delightful reminder of the company’s long history and that once upon a time it did superheroes with the best of them. Actually considering the state of the world today I wouldn’t mind seeing old fashioned super heroics front and centre to remind us of happier times.

     I like the way that this book is structured and how they manage to introduce such a large cast of characters. The whole ebb & flow of the story allowing for the Super Teens to actually save the day amidst such established heroes is extremely well done. The characterisation is at times a little over the top but then again that’s to be expected all things considered. By the time we get to the end of the issue all the little quirks that you might think were too much become crystal clear and understandable. That the whole thing makes complete sense made me laugh out loud.

     That Zardox is able to so handily defeat the Mighty Crusaders and yet seems to be so tripped up over a bunch of teenagers is of course half the fun. The amount of humour that is infused into this is sensational to see. When the Eliminators were laughing I was right there laughing with them and it was kind of glorious. That the kind of humour that we see here can be one thing to the younger generation and something else to the more seasoned generations is what an all-ages book is supposed to contain and this certainly nails that on every level.

     The interiors are equally as all-ages as the writing. I feel like a kid again seeing these costumes and how they look and excite the fan inside me, plus now I may have to have these characters drawn up like this for some tattoo work, I mean The Comet, The Web and Bob Phantom is a trio I'd love personally done for me, still overall what the art does is take characters that even I never heard of and so brightly and vividly that it makes us WANT to know more. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a superb eye for storytelling.
​

     Archie continues to grow and evolve while putting out some of the best cutting edge stories on stands today. With such a storied past and with how long they’ve been around never being too far from the public’s eye is a testament to the men and women’s talent, drive and determination in creating something that will still be around 150 years from now.

0 Comments

Shanghai Red #2

7/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Shanghai Red #2
Image Comics 2018
Written & Designed by Christopher Sebela
Illustrated by Joshua Hixson
Lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou


     Molly “Red” Wolfram only became Jack because she wanted the kind of work she grew up doing and the wages she deserved. While her secret persona gets her lucrative work in the logging camps, it also get her shanghaied out of a Portland bar, waking up on the Bellwood, a boat headed for China. Two years later, when her contract is up, Red kills the sailors who kept her captive and comes back to Portland, ready to find her family and cut a swath of vengeance across this sleepy town.

     Wow this was an emotionally charged issue and that’s put it mildly. The way that the guys present this to us is exceptionally well done and it pulls you in, then pulls your heartstrings and leaves you spent as Molly continues on her journey. She’s been Jack for so long now that I am not sure that she knows how to live as Molly again. Considering what the opening showed us it’s no wonder why she’s continuing onward as Jack.

     While I have always liked and enjoyed Christopher’s writing but there must something in the water lately because the level of work I've been seeing lately is oiff the charts. The sheer amount of emotion he’s able to bring to the reader is astonishing. Not only that but it gives Molly that extra boost she needs to give her the fuel that she desires to extract her revenge. I am not sure if this had played out any other way that her life would have been worth seeking out the revenge.

     The way this is structured has such a natural progression to it. From the moment Molly falls asleep inside her old home we see the events she’s only described as Jack was placed in a cell, the very cell by the very men she’s come home to find, the ones that shipped her off to Shanghai. I like how that flowed and how easily it was to see this as a remembrance kind dream. The characterisation is sublime as we are taken on this roller coaster ride alongside her as we see the past and present collide with what we think of as her future. I say think of because while we see the clues there’s no real way of knowing if she’s ever going to be strong enough to confront what she left behind that cares about the most.

     The artwork that we see in the interiors here isn’t normally what I would gravitate towards but I have to admit that I find it oddly fascinating and completely in sync with the story. There is just this way that Joshua manipulates the linework and the colours that he uses to create this atmosphere that rivals shows like Taboo or anything on AMC. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a really wonderful eye for storytelling. The little details that we see here make huge impacts and how backgrounds are utilised really help expand the story or just the moment beautifully.
​

     That comics aren’t only full of capes and powers but has room for just some good old fashioned strong and powerful storytelling is utterly delightful to see. The story itself and how we see it and plot develop alongside this sensational characterisation as we finally see a story about revenge and betrayal that doesn’t make us cringe. This creative team and this story somehow manages to make the reader feel alive in ways that will surprise and thrill you.

0 Comments

Apama The Undiscovered Animal #2

7/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Apama The Undiscovered Animal #2
Hero Tomorrow Comics 2018
Story by Milo Miller & Ted Sikora
Illustrated by Benito Gallego
Coloured & Lettered by Ted Sikora


     When big oil starts spewing in the Gulf of Mexico, Ilyia decides to work off some frustration by having Apama pay a visit to those responsible. Meanwhile across town, a scientist conducting experiments with a captured swarm of unidentified tiny life-forms is about to have an accident with a drunken landscaper that will give birth to the most dangerous doofus in all of comic-dom! The Rogues Gallery starts here! Big oil held accountable, science goes awry, and Apama throws down with a villain unlike any other in his inaugural donnybrook.

     I couldn’t be more thrilled to have found Hero Tomorrow Comics. I love that the characters have this originality and uniqueness to them and that right now they’ve only got two titles out, and a feature film which I am waiting for someone to send me, and it isn’t about quantity it’s about quality. This is a great example of creating something and giving it your all and making it the best it could possibly be and entertain everyone, not mass production to stretch talent thin. Yes I know this was originally done in 2014 but it’s being re-released now and for me this is what I keep talking about, when you want good solid superhero storytelling that is bright and full of hope you need to look at these smaller companies.

     I like the way this book is structured it almost feels like there are multiple openings which is fine by me because it gives us a chance to see what is going on in the area. Plus the first thing we really see is his origin and a recap of what has gone on before. I miss those first page recaps or something that would be that opening splash page in team books that told who was being featured that issue. So this is well conceived and executed flashback technique and I wholeheartedly support it. Not to mention it’s pretty much the only place we see what the Apama looks like.

     While we’ve seen those who can shape-shift into animal forms and we’ve seen those who can call upon animals to aid them we have even seen talismans used to give the wearer animal traits be we’ve never seen someone who talks to the animal kingdom and wears a costume of this unknown animal and does a ritual to gain it’s strength, speed and ferocious spirit. Even better is that Ilyia is a slacker, he shows no ambition and a white boy with dreads like that and has no game well the characterisation here is incredible. I like how we see the people portrayed here and how everyday schlubs are portrayed as they attain powers that they have no clue how to properly use.

     The interiors here are very well done. Benito has an understanding of the human body, how it moves and what it should look like. Not only that but animals as well as his critters are rendered awfully well. I like the linework and how it is used to show off not just the attention to detail but show us movement and emotions. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a good strong eye for storytelling. When backgrounds are utilised to expand the story and show the size and scope of the city or enhance the moment it really shows off some nice talent and skill.
​

     With a great leading character, superb characterisation and story/plot development with absolutely wonderful modern “old school” interiors Apama shouldn’t remain undiscovered much longer!

0 Comments

John Carpenter's Tales of Science Fiction: The Standoff #2

7/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction: The Standoff #2
Storm King Comics 2018
Written by David J. Schow
Illustrated by Andres Esparza
Coloured by Sergio Martinez
Lettered by Janice Chiang


     A GIGANTIC UFO HAS CRASHED INTO TATTERSALL PRISON. Officials try to contain the perimeter, but the inmates want out...And the invaders want IN--into the inmates! Hostages are taken. Bodies are possessed. Alien bugs infect anyone they can. Inside--chaos. Outside--chaos. And all around...A TOTAL AND COMPLETE STANDOFF.

     I am a sucker for science fiction, have been my entire life and it’s one of the things that my father gave to me that we could bond over. When I was 10 years old I saw Alien, at home on VHS, after that day my love of horror inside the genre was cemented. After that I couldn’t get enough and I loved how science and horror go hand in hand regardless of the premise behind it. What Storm King does is bring the concept back to life in a visual storytelling format and they do it extremely well. The idea that an alien craft would crash land into a prison where bugs that kind of resemble wasps or hornets are let loose and change people.

     Last issue introduced us to this fantastic premise. I loved that the inmates who think they are gods among men think their demands will be met after killing a few guards. That they are so seemingly simple minded and well single minded men they show off the fact that they should be in prison as they have committed heinous acts and don’t have the intelligence to remain free. They are however a superb catalyst to be used by these little flying alien creatures. The writing that David does, the characterisation he’s able to bring us is utterly amazing and it continues to develop, change and grow leaving me excited to see what certain characters will do next.

     The way that this book is structured is sensational. From the opening which is mesmerising in it’s approach to the last page it has that cinematic quality about it where the flow builds and recedes in ways that make the journey that much more interesting, impressive and desirable to see. So to open with Shoots, again, makes sense and to see him and learn more about him while gaining no real knowledge of him was brilliantly done. The combination of his narration and the artwork made this one of the strongest and strangest starting points ever.

     Good Morning Vietnam the interiors here are beyond what I could hope for. The level of detail and the attention paid to the most minute of things really does make this book pop like you wouldn’t believe. Seriously I could drift through this book without reading a word and just taking in the imagery. It isn’t just the manipulation of the linework to create these gorgeous subtle moments or the boldness of the heavier linework no it’s also about the colours. How we see the light sources illuminate people, places and such, the shading or gradation of colour that we see is what really brings that artwork to life in that believable kind of way. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels, alongside the way backgrounds are utilised show such an incredibly amazing eye for storytelling.
​

     Secret Government organisations who can call upon anyone they need and then having to call an even more secret group for help while trying to maintain and secure the situation at hand isn’t an easy thing to do. Even for Agent Farris who well thinks she has cajoness and that uber-bitch front she projects isn’t immune to failing or admitting to needing help. So how many cooks will spoil this broth and will those assembled be able to contain the situation before all hell breaks loose, even further? I can’t wait to find out.

0 Comments

Charlie's Angels #2

7/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Charlie’s Angels #02
Dynamite Entertainment 2018
Written by John Layman
Illustrated by Joe Eisma
Coloured by Celeste Woods
Lettered by Taylor Esposito


     When it comes to secrets and spies, who can you trust? No, seriously. We’re asking you. The Angels need to know. They are after a KGB agent in possession of American nuclear information and things are not what they seem. It looks like they will have to use their brains and karate action to get themselves out of this one!

     I really do like this already after the first issue did a fantastic job of setting the tone, mood and feel of what we should expect. That this is a written version of the first season of the television series and not some silly reboot, let’s face it reboots stink anyway, and that this is set in the seventies bring the love to whole generation that anxiously awaited it’s time slot. Of course the way that this is done is also great for creating a whole new slew of fans because this is not only intelligent and interesting but it has some amazing comedic timing in it as well. I mean c’mon who doesn’t love a great crime solving action book with three beautiful and talented leads.

     The way that this has been structured is superb to see. The opening is done so that we are intrigued then confused and the utilisation of now and then storytelling technique is expertly used. Before we do see the assignment given out however all we’re left with is confusion, and I like that too because wouldn’t Charlie normally just contact the airline and get the girls on? So what is out of sync here and why haven’t the girls really put more thought into it. Well Jill does but Sabrina shoots it down and the personalities at play between them all is actually quite fun, accurate and just pleasing.

      Oh after the opening comes the intro of the girls themselves so it follows the format of the show and this time around however John takes it a step further. No this one has some skill sets instead showing the reader what the girls are good at and if we keep getting something different with each opening then I think it’s a stroke of genius and a great way to show off how they’ve been underused on the force.

     Joe does an even better job this issue with the work on the interiors. It is like he has gotten much more comfortable with theses characters and it shows on the page. The clothes and these uniforms we see are going to be half the fun since this is the 70’s, though perusing some old Sears Catalogues could help with that. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows such a strong eye for storytelling. The way that backgrounds are being utilised is great and the plane is a wonderful example of what I am referring to. Though honestly they are unfortunately underused as well so lets up the ante with them Sassy Angel!

     So I like how the progression of what we see plays out. How the Angels, and Bosley who is mysteriously absent, are duped and how a sudden turn of events clear the air and now it would seem the mission they were on is now one to help their country and save the world. Yes this is the kind of story that seems out of their league and it’s bigger than anything we’ve seen from them. But these women were the originals and they have the skill, the intelligence and tenacity to do this pretty much on the fly, which I would take over trained agents.
​

     This is as solid as they come people it has some sensational storytelling with the premise and story/plot development not to forget stellar characterisation. This is all wrapped up in some very nice and easy flowing interiors to finish off these classic characters. THIS this is how you revive a franchise! 

0 Comments

Soulfire vol.7 #1

7/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Soulfire vol.7 #1
Aspen Comics 2018
Written by J.T. Krul
Illustrated by Chahine Ladjouze
Digital Inks by Mark Roslan & Justice
Coloured by Wes Hartman
Lettered by Zen


     As the new age of magic continues in the shadows of this future landscape, Malikai and his friends try to enjoy a little down time, but such plans never seem to last. Grace continues to serve as a protector for all things magic, more specifically the dragons, but she is growing tired of having to keep the true power of the world a secret. And, there is a new danger on the horizon, a new figure in the Soulfire universe who may be the greatest threat to the fragile balance between magic and technology yet!

     I love the idea behind Soulfire and that once again with the whole merging of the universe into one cohesive thing we get to see thing play out differently than they have in the past. This means that avenues previously unexplored are rife for exploration. I am a huge fan of the opening here and to see someone breach this forgotten temple then use science to unlock it’s secrets is something that almost seems to combine Mission Impossible and Harry Potter. Now if that doesn’t at least intrigue you on multiple levels then I think there is something wrong with you.

     The way that this book is structured is extremely well done and I have to admit I am a of J.T.’s and his work and that this franchise and this company allows him to really stretch his wings so to speak and tell the story like I know he’s capable of that you will find no finer writer. While yes one would benefit from reading previous volumes of the series it isn’t all that necessary I would consider this pretty new reader friendly. It is pretty easy to pick this up and understand not only what is going on but also the dynamic and relationship of the characters that we see and meet.

      I am enjoying the way that the segments come across while they don’t blend as seamlessly as I am used to that’s okay because we see each one happening for a reason. With the different species having emerged once again and yet still not to a point where they can openly share not only the same airspace fut the same world is pretty typical in my humble opinion. I mean let’s face it mankind isn’t exactly fond of being reminded that they didn’t come first and that they aren’t in control so they’ll do whatever they to subjugate others or commit genocide in order to retain power and control.

     The interior artwork here is gorgeous and that it has the reminder that this is a Michael Turner is it’s creator and inspiration it’s also decidedly Chahine’s as well. The linework is strong and well balanced and the colours are typically vibrant and the gradation of colour is sublime. The creativity and imagination that we see on the pages is superbly realised. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a very good eye for storytelling. I will say that I do wish that backgrounds were a little more fully realised because the potential is there I feel it’s just short of the mark in expanding the story.
​

     There is so much going on here that seems to be mixing up so many genres that it almost seems crowded. If it weren’t for J.T.’s skill and talent as a writer it would come across as crowded instead what we get are avenues we cannot wait to see explored. This world if full of chaos and hope and there are too many other factors that want to swoop in clean the messes up and take command. This is a thrilling start to this volume and it’s incredibly well written and gorgeously illustrated.

0 Comments

The Immortal #1

7/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Immortal #1 (of 8) Advance Review
215 Ink 2018
On Sale 08/29/18
by Darryl Knickrehm


     The Immortal follows a human bounty hunter with the ability to be resurrected when killed in the line of duty. The only drawback? Each time he resurrects, another piece of his memory falls away. This monumental, character-driven mystery will centre around Z and his hunt for those responsible for the annihilation of the human race.

     Alright so I was extremely impressed with how this book was able to draw me in, keep my attention and cause my mind to work to figure out a few things for myself. Also the characterisation is pretty effin dynamite and we see Z forced to confront the reality of his life which only exacerbates the situation. Overall this was so much more than I could have thought or imagined it to be. Darryl has not only impressed me with this but he’s also made a fan out of me and I will be looking forward to what else he’s got in the works.

     The way that this book is structured is fantastic. This is set at an undisclosed time period and all we know is that Z is supposedly the last human alive and while we have no idea how or why that’s something that Z believes. The opening is kind of a key moment as well as the introduction to the series and I found that combination incredibly interesting and risky. I mean right off the bat secrets are revealed and while I found that fascinating I thought wait how many more secrets does he have that will keep us interested as the story progresses? Here’s why I love that, that opening had me immediately curious about what else there was to see, mind my mind think of scenarios right away and left me involved that quickly.

      So as we get to know Z, what motivates him and how he is brought back from the dead and the ramifications of such a thing. That his body retains the elements of scarring, his tattoo and the hairstyle is kind of a hmm moment that breaks the rules we thought we knew. Granted I am a little upset we didn’t get to see ALL of him since he was naked for so long or that if he was circumcised if he still is after being reconstructed. I think the fact that the book is oversized works in it’s favour as we do get that chance to really see the effects that being brought back has on him in more detail as the story progresses.

    The fact that this is in black and white was another somewhat risky move. This is an unforgiving way of bringing artwork to life as there is absolutely no hiding behind colour to mask mistakes or highlight something that you would like to stand out. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a very good eye for storytelling. I’m pretty damn impressed that Darryl both wrote and illustrates this and the fact that what he wants us to see is exactly what is on the page is priceless. The way that backgrounds are utilised here is also extremely nice to see as they do wonders in expanding the story as well as giving us some extra characterisation. Then there is the creativity and imagination that’s on display here in creating alien races and I am somewhat in awe.
​

     I love the story here there’s a mystery element to it that Z is learning about on the fly, there is his life and livelihood that is on the line as we come to see that perhaps this legitimate job isn’t so much on the up and up as he once thought it was. Thoroughly enjoyable, innovative and full of fascination and wonder this will be something you should talk to your shoppe about getting in and making sure you have one reserved for yourself.

0 Comments

The Long Con #1

7/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Long Con #1
ONI Press 2018
Written by Dylan Meconis & Ben Coleman
Illustrated by EA Denich
Coloured by M. Victoria Robado
Lettered by Aditya Bidikar


     Five years ago, a cataclysmic event obliterated everything within a fifty mile radius of the Los Spinoza Convention Centre—including the attendees of Long Con, the world’s biggest (and longest) comic convention. But unknown to the outside world, the con-goers not only survived, they kept the convention going. When proof of their survival surfaces, reporter Victor Lai is sent to investigate—after all, he was covering the con that fateful day and escaped mere minutes before everything went kablooie… abandoning his nerdy pal Dez in the process. So clearly he’s the perfect person for the job, and he won’t get trapped inside like some kinda idiot. Right?

     First thing I thought of when I finished reading this was Fanboy vs. Zombies and by no means is that meant as a slight. I loved that little series, I thought it was fun, interesting, well done and just made me excited for every issue that came out. That being said this takes a different approach and I cannot wait to find out what the Event was that occurred and see what it was, who claimed responsibility for it. I mean if you are going to do a terrorist style hit on the U.S. a huge comic book convention isn’t an unlikely place to do it after all there are a few whose record attendance would be a viable target.

     I like the way that the book is structured. It would be easy to start at the moment of the Event and move forward so by putting into the story five years later and basically throwing us into the deep end is what I feel as the right thing to do. This allows for exploration of the past and how it ties into the present and as we’ll see of the campfire tales starting next issue that illuminate the past. The opening is fantastic and it involves both humour and a sense of foreboding in that this is definitely a shoot first ask questions later and there are plenty of monsters roaming the area. It does make me want to see more of what’s out there hiding if they can say something about baby hands.

     One of the aspects that I found enjoyable here and of course have been the standard take away from pop culture history is the play on Star Trek. The lobster style creature with the face sticking out showing how bad the costumes were and such just make you smile. The best of the best have stolen from it and it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving. This is what is being shown when Victor’s boss tells him he has to go back to the Con, which is where the dude in the lobster man costume who got shot up on the opening is from. Doesn’t matter that he was there and somehow managed to escape when it all went down but now he has to go back???

     The interiors here are bit less detailed than I like. I usually go for the clean, crisp and myriad of use linework but I will admit that what we see works really well for the story. It feels like a cross between a Sunday strip and something meant to be satire so there is something to sink you teeth into. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective show a very nice eye for storytelling. I love when backgrounds are utilised effectively and I have to say they really here. I like how they expand the story and show us the scope of the world or at the very least he convention centre.
​

    While maybe not post-apocalyptic in it’s truest sense something happened that rendered the area around the convention inhabitable and now we have a chance to see how and why there are survivors who have been having a con experience that lasts five years! Though c’mon crappy con food and comic books I could do that! Fun, witty, sarcastic and inventive I look forward to seeing where this is going next!

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

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

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.