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

Surface Tension #4

8/31/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Surface Tension #4
Titan Comics 2015
Written & Illustrated by Jay Gunn


The ‘Sea Sickness’ swept the world. 99% of the world’s human population walked into the sea, drawn by mysterious coral structures. There, they dissolved.
Two people – Megumi Suzuki and Ryan Fisher – returned to the island of Breith, home to a community of survivors. Fearing further infection, the pair were quarantined.
Megumi, with the help of Mary Maybel, has been unlocking the memories of her return, including her connection to the coral, and the dreamlike, interconnected world it contains. Her guide within that world is a mysterious figure in a shell-like mask, wreathed in an iridescent cloak.
Ryan’s alcoholic father survived the Sea Sickness – but no-one knows the fate of his younger brother, Kyle. Ryan and his former girlfriend, Shauna, have gone to his home to investigate.
Something monstrous returned with Megumi and Ryan, seeking to return them to the sea. While the residents of Breith retreat to St. Brendan’s Church to wait out the oncoming storm, island leader Jean Cassel has mustered a last stand against it…

I am always a huge fan when a book is done completely by one person.  It’s a chance to really enjoy exactly what the creator has envisioned fully.  Jay started out with this amazingly unique concept and with each issue we’ve seen more and more of it revealed in such great ways.  This issue the unexpected reveal as to what the Selkie’s actually are came as a huge shock and made complete sense.

We’ve seen them kind of like pets but we never knew what they were.  I thought perhaps they were animals at one time but with Ryan and Megumi’s return and their transformations we see that they share with us than we could have possibly guessed.  This is a little thing that has massive consequences and that alone is the kind of stuff that as a reader I think is hugely important.

Ryan has wondered what happened to his brother Kyle since his return.  This issue we learn just what has happened to him.  Nothing can prepare you for what we find.

Meanwhile Megumi’s own change and her memories are focused on and this again is another wow moment in a series full of them.  Her connection to the coral and what she has learned about the situation is all coming back to her and is on display for us.  

Lest we forget Jean has a team out facing off against the giant beast that has also come ashore.  It’s horrific and fearsome to behold and it’s intelligence means that its much more terrifying to encounter.  Only after being distracted and humans unable to affect it do they learn who it’s after.  Mary and Megumi are it’s target and it’s more than likely because of what the two women are doing and learning.  Knowledge after all is power.

This is such an intense story of survival.  The coral thinks that the humans have ruined the planet and they are trying to revive the planet, heal it as it were by removing the cause.  Only Erik who's been part of the coral for so long is communicating with Megumi and we see her tell all he knows.  It’s like suddenly the floodgates opened amidst all this interesting action and now it all kind of makes sense to me.  The penultimate issue before the finally reveals so much that you wonder can Megumi save the human race in time or is this truly the end?

With stunningly gorgeous interiors and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat this is one not to be missed.

0 Comments

Ninjak #6

8/31/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ninjak #6
Valiant Entertainment 2015
Written by Matt Kindt
Illustrated by Raul Allen & Patricia Martin
Additional Colours by Borja Pindado


His name is Ninjak--Spy and mercenary for hire.  He is also Colin King, wealthy son of privilege.  
The British espionage organization MI-6 tasked Colin with infiltrating and destroying Weaponeer, a criminal empire that designs arms for the highest, most illicit bidder.  Disguised as businessman Henry Collins, Ninjak ingratiated himself to the group’s imposing leader, Kannon.  He also met Kannon’s right-hand woman, Roku, an assassin so feared that skilled warriors have taken their own lives rather than face her razor-sharp locks of hair and deadly skills.
Ninjak eventually engaged Kannon in open combat, dismembering him and leaving in the custody of MI-6 Dirtor Neville Alcott.  Colin then took over as CEO of Weaponeer.  He aims to take down Weaponeer from the inside….
Ninjak is hunting the Shadow Seven.  First up: La Barbe…

This is hands down one of the most impressive books currently on sale today.  Colin or Ninjak really is one of the most interesting, complex and diverse characters in comics or literature for that matter.  Matt is able to demonstrate through Ninjak’s actions this issue that while he does rely upon his gadgets and technology to make his life easier when forced to he’s more than capable relying solely upon his skills and teachings.  It really goes a long way to making him one of the most dangerous men to walk the planet.

There is so much going on this issue that demonstrates not only Colin’s skills but Matt’s as well.  The knowledge of how to use old school dead drop tactics, how Colin’s able to create weapons that backfire so beautifully as well as the characterization at MI-6 all play to his strengths as a prolific writer.  That we see so many of facets of his work these days and all them so well done and thought out it isn’t any surprise that here he’s taken one of the company’s most beloved characters and made him seem indispensable.

The interior artwork here to is very well done.  While not what we’ve become used to from Clay it is in it’s own unique way just as fitting for the character and the world he inhabits.  There’s something about Neville and Lord Kensington’s faces that really do stick out and keep your mind focused on them.  This style does seem better suited to the flashback sequences though of a young Colin exploring the world and asserting his independence any way he can.

Alright so there’s one scene that I found particularly charming and that is Colin unafraid to use his manly charms with another man to flirt and get information out of him.  How far would he go undercover if he had to now comes flashing across my mind and has he ever experimented in the past?  Oh please let him have a preference but be open to doing whatever is needed in the moment.  

The Matt tells this story of his encounter with La Barbe is beautifully done and I mentioned earlier part of why I really enjoyed it.  The writing and dialogue, both spoken and narrated, are some of the most revealing work around today.  

The Lost Files back-up
Illustrated by Stephen Segovia
Coloured by Ulises Arreola

This artwork here is much more suitable to the character and what Clay has brought us in the past.  I’d urge letting them fill in for him when that time comes and perhaps having Raul and company do the back-up.

The story itself is kind of the moment we’ve been waiting for.  I get the feeling that Neville while being partly honest isn’t telling the whole story here.  Sending Colin off on something of a wild goose chase and that wouldn’t surprise me.  There are certain revelations that would confirm Neville’s actions in one’s mind.  However where Colin ends up is where he was meant to be and he’s about to have his world changed forever here.

Again this really is the strongest title Valiant has right now.  With snippets of his past coming to light at the end of each issue as well as mixed into the main story negates the need for a whole origin tale.  Instead we get everything we need in a constant flow of information and it shows us his growth and maturity as a man and character.

0 Comments

Gunsuits #3

8/31/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Gunsuits #3 (of 4)
American Gothic Press 2015
Written by Paul Tobin
Illustrated by PJ Holden
Coloured by Diego Rodriguez


Well the newest voice in science fiction horror is making quite a splash at American Gothic Press.  Paul is writing this story extremely well.  Earth after Earth is under siege to these monstrous creatures who we now see evolving and becoming smarter.  It’s no secret that most people hate bugs and having these creatures evolving into tiny bugs able to easier infiltrate their headquarters to learn their plans well it hits a base fear.  

I have to say that these bio’s are nasty creatures and that they are getting smarter makes for reading this all the more fascinating.  Seeing this flying roach like creature attacking a man with such force letting them all know that the game has changed was intense.  It’s kind of creepy that something that small is that powerful it can take a man out of the game at any given time dwindling the number of their opponents during a massive attack.

Have the creatures discovered subtlety and subterfuge?  If so they are adapting quite well to the worlds who are able to fight back more effectively.  Sometimes when we get a lot of monstrous creatures they can lose their effect, they get less scary, but here with their constant evolution it keeps that fear factor high and the tension for what’s next palpable.  

I must say that this world has so many pockets of resistence teams was nice to learn.  Though one question from me is why haven’t they combined forces early on to take out their enemy one city at time or even strike a major blow?  I guess we all need that regional stuff though, after all people do want to keep their homes safe above all else.   The way Paul is telling this story will slower reveals at times where it’s perfectly placed goes a long way in fleshing this world out nicely.  

That we can get some much needed humor to break up the tension the characters feel yeah that was placed as well.  Kudos to Paul and PJ for the store scene though what tiny one he was holding and pink please the good ones are larger and black!  

There’s only one issue left and I have this feeling that it ends with our doppelgangers story and not the end of the invasion.  If this turns out to be right then there’s still the possibility that we can revisit the next fight in this universe as we’ll both humans and creatures continuing to evolve.  In the meantime i’m anxious to see what is going to happen here and with the last page reveal wow it’s gonna get serious.  

PJ has managed to create the monster/bug things using his imagination as a guideline but you forget he’s got the backgrounds or a ruined city, props that the characters use and these gunsuits many of which still look experimental.  He manages to really create the world Paul envisioned in the story giving it this warmth yet disastrous feel.  Sometimes you are hopeful the next you’re frightened.  That he can weave almost every emotion into one book like he does showing hope and then death and make you feel it is remarkable work.  

I like that such talent are doing books this creative and interesting for the little guy putting them on the radar and putting the industry on notice that those “big” companies need to step up cause creators can go elsewhere for great storytelling.

0 Comments

Coven #2

8/30/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Coven #2 (of 5)
Zenescope Entertainment 2015
Written by Zach Calig
Illustrated by Diego Galindo
Coloured by Michael Bartolo


Avril Williams, the prophesied witch of untold power, finds her coven brutally murdered and her own safety in peril as a captive of the New Crusaders. Baba Yaga pursues her, hoping to save the young witch. Unable to do it alone, she’s forced to team up with an old but powerful enemy… Perhaps saving one of their own can end their strife.

Last issue ended with what appeared to be the betrayal of both Baba Yaga and Liza by the New Crusaders.  We open up with that scene and the Knights orders to bring Liza in and dispense of Baba Yaga.  Only things aren’t going to be that easy for him as the forces of nature rise up against him and keep him from killing one and taking the other.  This is where I think Diego and Michael shine because the way they are bringing this to life is so nice.  

Avril meanwhile wakes up in what looks like a submarine.  Alone, afraid and confused and the confrontation that ensues is enlightening on both sides.  Could she be making cracks in armour that could potentially turn the tide in her favour?  Only time will tell.

Meanwhile Baba has to explain to Liza and the other three what’s been happening and how they’ve all come to be together again.  What happens here is some pretty decent characterization alongside a very nice look into the witches that have dotted Earth’s landscape for a very long time.  These four very powerful women, who don’t exactly trust one another, call upon a fallen witch to aid them in retrieving Avril.  The prophecy is known to all sides and this is their best course of action.  I have to say it’s nice to see that Liza has pretty much remained the same since 1962, though honestly Salem witch hunts should’ve been much earlier than that and from their dresses I have a hard time believing that time is correct.  More so since she was brought back and it’s 300 years later.

From there what transpires leaves a lot unanswered questions.  Among them is why the witch brought back is the only one accompanying Baba to free Avril?  There are a couple holes here and there but they don’t really detract from enjoying the book.  Though the editor should’ve caught the year mistake just saying.  Otherwise Zach has created a group of strong characters that are loosely aligned even with different agendas.  I like what Baba is doing here and seeing Avril being fleshed out more is necessary.  

Here’s hoping more about the prophecy is revealed soon and what role stakes all these different characters have in it.  The story could use more cohesion but on the whole it’s an intriguing concept.  I do like the interior artwork here a lot and it goes a long way in making this as entertaining as it is.

Zenescope has some great concepts and often they are done very well and other times they need a little more polishing.  This time out the talent is here it just needs a little refinement and i’m looking forward to see that happen.

0 Comments

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency #3

8/30/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency #3
IDW Publishing 2015
Written by Chris Ryall
Penciled by Ilias Kyriazis
Inked by John Livesay
Coloured by Leonard O’Grady


I can’t sum this up any other way than than think of Don Knotts playing Sherlock Holmes.  That’s really what it feels like to me.  It’s kooky, fun and full of sheer happenstance detective work that all seems to come together at the end.  In the meantime it’s just fun to watch how Dirk gets involved and inadvertently surround himself by the very people essential to solving whatever crime he’s investigating.  If you’ve seen the BBC series then you’ll understand that Chris has nailed the essence of this character and this book.  He’s really embraced what I feel the character is about and it’s one of those rare truly fun reads.

So last issue the revived Egyptian mummies were found to be draining the life force of the party goers that Dirk inadvertently picked up during his walkabout.  People fleeing left and right and Dirk decided to take the stairs to the lobby.  There he ran into Hamisch being seduced and almost killed by the woman whose bag Dirk had mistakenly taken from the airport.  Once again this whole murder scene in the stairwell is a scenario she chose to emulate another murderer Kate Farmer.  That this pair of murder re-enacting psychopath’s on Dirk’s tail while he’s in the midst of an Egyptian revival is exactly why this book is so much fun.

One of the ways that things generally tend to work for Dirk are portrayed extremely well here as said woman from the stairwell bursts into the lobby bent on taking out Dirk but ends up getting into a fight with Neferhotep.  While Craig sees all that’s happened and happening and is having second thoughts about staying with his ever-more-megalomaniacal friend.  Deciding to join Dirk and company to help stop him.  It’s really the way these series of events unfold for the reader that make is engaging and enjoyable as it is.

Kate’s entrance as C.I.A. Agent who now has to take a more direct role in the case and her history with Dirk well that’s just another example of his theory of connectivity.  Though I have to admit I love her surveillance technique.  Her current boyfriend well that’s something else that falls decidedly into the realm of Dirk’s complicated life.  

I’m such a huge fan of how Chris has been able to be so true to Douglas Adams creation here.  This really is something unique, fun and wholeheartedly entertaining.  He’s not alone in making this work however as Ilias, John and Leonard do some absolutely incredible work bringing it all to life visually.  From Dirk’s look and his decidedly Elvis appearance to those of the people around him and subtle things that these characters do it’s all just in your face fun.  I mean c’mon there is some great kind of hidden you need to pay attention things going on with some of these characters.

Hopefully this will inspire reader to seek out the original books from Adam’s and enjoy the misadventures of Dirk Gently.  I love that comics can be a gateway back to reading to novels through adaptations like this one.  This is also another reason why i’m a fan of IDW and the books they bring us.

0 Comments

Past Aways #6

8/30/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Past Aways #6
Dark Horse Comics 2015
Written by Matt Kindt
Illustrated by Scott Kolins
Coloured by Wes Dzioba


The mysterious visitor Hein has learned to control his time sickness—a disorder causing him to relive fifteen-minute chunks of time—and has infiltrated the Past Aways’ headquarters. Hein is aided by the team’s android member, Phil, acting out of revenge against team leader Art. Oblivious to Phil’s plan, the crew have been acclimating themselves to 2015, with Art even pursuing a romantic relationship with a native.

This is the issue that changes everything we’ve come to know about this team and these people.   So Matt has done a wonderful job showing us the tension between these folks and that Phil and Art don’t like each other at all.  Even with recent strides taken between the two men to work together you got the sense that things weren’t kosher.  Though last issues spectacular display of Hein’s time sickness really comes to fruition this issue.

I think the way we see Hein inside their headquarters and taking weapons he wants to use against the team is quite well done.  Scott has such amazing talent to just tell a story through nothing but his artwork.  However when we see a week past and the meeting between Hein and Phil everything we’ve seen last issue begins to make so much more sense.  

Hein attacks the team while watching a movie and that sequence was so much fun.  It really does demonstrate how powerful these folks are.  Of course they all have that sense of deja vu after he keeps rewinding time to keep attacking to get away from their physically strongest member Marge.  Well the repeating attack is halted by Phil who tells him to wait till Art is back.  Still it’s interesting because I would wager a guess that thanks to their own time travel they have a better ability to recognize time disturbances around them.  

With Hein’s actions this issue their whole existence is called into question.  However that’s not the only questions raised by this whole thing as well.  We really need their names on the recap page little headshots with their names underneath but the dude with the hat yeah he’s suspicious of what’s happened and he’s not buying the all too convenient actions of Phil right now.  I have to admit I hadn’t seen this issue coming it has huge ramifications of where the story is going to go and i’m more excited than ever for next issue.  

We’ve seen a lot set-up going on here from bringing them back together and hinting at some of the things they hunt but we’ve yet to have a “big” event.  Something that really tests and showcases what they are capable of and why they came in the first place.  Suddenly it feels like everything has been building up for this issue.  There’s always been this interest surrounding this book but now it’s like that interest is in hyperdrive so naturally we have to wait two months to see what happens next.

Scott’s interiors here are fantastic!  He and Wes really do a nice job bringing this all to life.  I love the shots of the interior of the headquarters and the trophy room or the holding cells it just has that great imagination on display.  Plus let’s face that moment i’m not discussing yeah that’s just beyond anything I could’ve expected and so dramatic and just that definitive WOW moment captured perfectly.

This is a fun, entertaining series and now it has just reached a new level and if you haven’t tried it yet then I suggest you do because it’s innovative, different and definitely a character driven wild ride.  

0 Comments

The Covenant #3

8/29/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Covenant #3
Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Rob Liefeld
Illustrated by Matt Horak
Coloured by Ross Hughes


Sworn enemies of the Israelites, the Philistines, led by General Dekani, proved victorious on the field of battle, killing the sons of the High Priest, Eli, and taking the sacred Ark of the Covenant. The Ark is the instrument of the Israelite God, Jehovah, symbolizing the covenant between the creator and mankind.
Samuel, a humble servant of the tabernacle, informed Eli that his sons were dead and the Ark was stolen. Upon hearing the news, Eli suffered a violent seizure and died, leaving Samuel to lead the Hebrews in their darkest hour.
In his first act as High Priest, Samuel enlists the aid of two of Israel’s mightiest warriors, Adino and Lasar, to enter the Philistine capital of Ashod alongside him and steal back the Ark. They are joined on their mission by a ruthless but opportunistic Mercenary named Shammah.

I have to say i’m mightily impressed with the story Rob’s come up with here.  There are countless tales of people wanting to steal the Ark of the Covenant and only one final tale that could possibly tell of it’s fate.  However here we see a story as much rooted in the old world of worshipers before christianity and the importance all have placed on the Ark.  I’m a huge fan of the fact that is more story driven by the Ark and the characters going to reclaim it from those that took it than it is some religious tale.  

The characterization is phenomenally good and the way the story progresses is very well crafted.  The whole thing rings of a mystery action thriller in the vein of heist movie.  As we open with the plan laid out before us seemingly happening at the same time Matt manages to really capture the scope of those past cities.  Such opulence and oversized temples mixed with crammed marketplaces and homes very aptly remind you that this takes place so very long ago.  

Did the Priest Samuel have a vision of a dream of what’s going to happen?  I like that in this point in time they took stock in things such as dreams or premonitions.  When we see the reality of the situation however the story takes on a different meaning as if the Ark itself isn’t happy to be housed in such a heathen temple.  As a result we see the General come to speak to Kano and this image of him will remain with me for quite some time to come.  Matt and Ross manage showcase his fearsome visage and his devout belief in what we see here.  

That Kano sees what has happened to the statue of Dagon as something different than the reader does is another sign of fanatical belief.  He sees it as his sacrifice was insufficient to Dagon and prepares for more virgins to be sacrificed when as a reader I see it as two religious icons at odds with one another causing the false idol to be destroyed.  Perhaps part of me wishes that the god Jehovah’s power in the Ark is real.  

Seeing Kano’s plans for the sacrificial ritual for Dagon really does a number on your mind.  That these creatures are involved they way they are and appearing more than animal at times is kind of terrifying and mesmerizing at the same time.  Could this truly be the precursor to the Coliseum's games?  It certainly makes me more excited for the next issue that’s for sure.

This is a much more remarkable story than I thought it was going to be.  

0 Comments

Bornhome #2

8/29/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Bornhome #2 (of 4)
American Gothic Press 2015
Written by Paul Tobin
Illustrated by Jeff Johnson
Coloured by Anthony Diecidue


Last issue Langer crashed to the planet below and befriended Timi a young boy whose friend he killed when his ship crashed.  While running from the creatures known as the Kind Souls they found a hanger of Terracore one of the most valuable substances in the universe.  The pirates responsible for Langer crashing to the planet however are hot on his heels.  It would seem that Langer and Timi are okay for the moment when Timi drinks some of the Terracore freaking Langer out and that’s where we pick up this issue.

With Langer freaking out over Timi drinking the Terracore the Kind Souls find their hiding place and the pair run trying to escape.  It turns out the planet may be in disarray but the merry go round still has juice and it turning on serves as a distraction for them to get away.  I am enjoying that despite all appearances and Timi’s insistence he’s alright Langer still thinks he needs medical attention.  

While the two talk about what’s happening and Timi references that no one has been able to make the rides run in a hundred years it really depends the mystery of how much time has actually passed.  There become so many questions about this planet and it’s people like if they can drink and use the Terracore as medicine is that the cause of what created the Kind Souls?  Has it rushed the human life cycle faster so that for them what would amount to 100 years of time to have passed?  

They do come across another attraction however Madame Sage’s History Ride.  This is perfect for condencding the plight of Earth, the human race and the importance of Terracore.  It also demonstrates that no matter how long humans have lived they fall into the same destructive patterns over and over again.  

From there maybe a week passes where Langer stays with Timi, his sister Shane and all the kids under her care.  He seems to be making the most of his situation and he and Shane have grown quite close.  She’s the closest thing to an adult they have and none of them seem to have met anyone as old as Langer.  How harsh life must be on this world and there isn’t  man among them so how were the children born to begin with?  

Last issue introduced us to this broken down world full of these monsters in a spectacular flashy fashion.  This issue we get a better look at the world from the ground and viewpoint of a stranger to it while learning about the universe they inhabit. Also learning that all monsters don’t come in misshapen form.  There’s characterization, character growth and story advancement here that raises more questions, has this entirely eerie feel to it and subtly raises the hairs on the your neck.

As nicely as Paul has written this story and gotten the reader involved with these characters Jeff has done a very nice job on the interiors.  The urgency in the beginning is portrayed extremely well and then through the interiors even when things look stable you get this sense of unease from the artwork.  

A nice second issue to give you background information regarding this universe mixed with the mortality and craziness this world has to offer.  A tale full of potential to thrill and terrify you this is a modern day sci-fi horror classic in the making.

0 Comments

Conan the Avenger #17

8/29/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Conan the Avenger #17
Dark Horse Comics 2014
Written by Fred Van Lente
Illustrated by Brian Ching
Coloured by Michael Atiyeh


In the wake of a ferocious sandstorm Conan and Natala encounter Valerius, a Khauranian soldier escorting his queen on a secret mission, and Kerim Shah, who claims to be traveling on private business. At last reaching the Oasis of Akrel, the group discovers the fresh remains of nomads slaughtered by raiders, as well as some slave girls who survived the attack. With Kerim Shah suspiciously unaccounted for, Conan and Valerius head off to the Tower of Silence, hot on the heels of the raiders . . .

Fred manages to do what he does here yet again and proves that he’s part magician.  Sleight of hand, misdirection all the tricks needed to surprise his audience in the most delightful of ways.  

We open with the people of the Fortress of Silence putting one of their own dead outside for the vultures to feast upon.  While seemingly harsh it’s rather a fitting tribute to the circle of life.  This is the scene that Conan and Valerius come across when scaling the Fortress to enter.  Of course they believe they are looking for Kerim Shah and who caused the caravan outside to be slaughtered.  However what happens is pretty spectacular.  As Velarius sees a mural and starts the explanation of it and how it differs from his own beliefs we see conan in the background killing the armed monks.  The way this has been portrayed was brilliant.  Kudos to the teamwork between Fred and Brian in breaking this down in this manner.

`Meanwhile outside in her tented carriage the Queen and Natala have a conversation of their own.  I have to admit I love that women believe men belong to them like the Queen states.  So often it’s perceived as the other way around but in these times and places where women rule as well it’s a two way street.  They talk of Natala’s Cimmerian and as she describes him to her you really begin to get the sense that they are continuing to travel on together for comfort and companionship as much for necessity.  

Oh Fred girl talk is just men talking, have you lain with him, how was it, I want details.  Yeah and while it’s a quick panel of the two in the act it does scream for more and that seeing this while completely unexpected was another moment to demonstrate why I love this book.  While Natala says “he makes love...like he was going to war” just gives you that extra sense that he’s animalistic when it comes to that.  Just another facet of Conan that you don’t realize means more than you think upon first glance.

The two revelations that happen this issue back to back well they worked on concert to keep me surprised and on my toes.  

While I’m not sure I’d say I was a die hard Conan fan I will say that I’m a fan of how Fred and Brian have brought his adventures to life more than any other incarnation i’ve read.  The characterization happening in these pages along with a true serial style storytelling and the interior artwork perfectly suited for these adventures make this a series not to be missed.

0 Comments

Rasputin #8

8/29/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Rasputin #8
Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Alex Grecian
Created & Illustrated by Riley Rossmo
Coloured by Ivan Plascencia


This series just becomes more complex and interesting with each issue.  I really was weary of placing Rasputin in the present and leaving such a vivid and interesting past.  However Alex has managed to keep the past alive and being told through flashbacks that tie Rasputin firmly into the present.  A present that is unlike any we’ve known seeing as his actions have literally altered history as we know it.  That they’ve managed to take events that have been rumored to be true regarding Rasputin and expanded upon them to create this enigmatic character that much more interesting should be applauded.

Last issue Rasputin and the young reporter Shanae started talking and she showed him pictures.  Irrefutable proof of his life and actions and now wants answers about him and his past.  Unknown to all of us was the identity of the person in the apartment with Rasputin.  That mystery is put to rest this issue as Governor Harrison emerges from the bedroom and like any good strong woman decides she and Shanae should have a talk.  

One of the things that Harrison says is that Rasputin has been drawn to many different PEOPLE over the course of his long life.  Oh please let that mean what I think it means and that he’s had his share of male lovers as well.  Being so long lived it would just prove that modern society trappings of labels really are meaningless.  

What I found fascinating is how much Harrison knew of Rasputin’s life.  In retrospect it makes sense since they are close and he’s saved her life and they are friends, with benefits.  So to hear Harrison tell Shanae the story we’ve all been waiting for, the conclusion of the dinner party murder attempt, was one of those moments that sticks with you.  As much as who is telling it as what transpired.

What happened when they threw Rasputin in the river was as amazing and unexpected as was the revelation of the body that was reported to be his floating in it.  

That this story has kind of gone from a novelty when it started. let’s face it Rasputin’s life and powers is a novelty, and has turned into this gripping tale about his humanity and destiny.  They boys have created a world in which the man inhabited and taken it to a whole new level mixing it with realms and creatures that have never been proven to exist and yet still influence man today.  I look forward to sitting down and reading this book every month it comes out and I get excited for which demonstrates just how good it truly is.

Riley’s own unique style of art really does make this such a huge standout for me as well. He has this way of creating such emotions and feeling in the reader that you don’t expect.  The intensity we see in the eyes, as much from Ivan’s colouring, and the sometime creepiness in his smiles just take you to this place and you don’t want to leave.  There’s an intensity here you just get by many other artists.

With such creative story material, stellar dialogue and mesmerizing interior artwork Rasputin remains one of today’s most interesting books.

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.