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Today's reviews!

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

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Carnival Row: From the Dark #1

8/30/2019

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Carnival Row: From the Dark #1
Legendary Comics 2019
Written by C.M. Landrus & Charles Velasquez-Witosky
Illustrated by Harvey M. Tolibao, Tristan Jurolan & Jhun Mar Tadong Entico
Coloured by Kevin Tolibao & Kevin Anthony De Castro
Lettered & Designed by Comicraft
Cover by ZID


     As Rycroft Philostrate adjusts to his life in The Burgue, memories of his former life intertwine with a mystery that will take him through the strange city streets that he now calls home. A recent bomb attack has only intensified the situation, can he find the people responsible before there is another explosion?

     Now I haven't seen the show yet and it is definitely on my list of shows to watch. I will probably end up binge watching it when I get it. Still when I saw that Legendary was doing two books based on the series I said I need to read and review them because well A. that's what I do and B. I was and am super intrigued by this whole premise.  

     I was right to be excited and intrigued by this because what I see here is amazing. The idea is beyond expectations as this period in London's history becomes alternate history with technological advances and the Fae folk taking up residence. As with any group that comes, late to the party shall we say and yes I know they were here first, into a system already established they are looked upon with disdain and mistrust. Humans are a violent and stupid lot believing they've always been the smartest around and top of the food chain predators and for the most they are, they kill without rhyme or reason. They kill because they feel threatened by those who are different. Any number of groups could be inserted and considered Faerie and this would still apply today.

     Oh I like the way we are introduced to the characters here. The story & plot development along with the character development is incredibly well done and how the pacing picks it all up and constantly moves us forward shows some really nice skill and talent. The introduction of Proctor Garrick should be of note to everyone and meeting him the way we do demonstrates why and precisely what kind of man he is. Though I am a little disappointed that despite the location we see nothing despite the very nature of the place and what it really means.

     Harvey and company do some absolutely magnificent work on the interiors here. The linework is exquisite and the way we see the varying weights being utilised to create some superior stunning attention to detail blows me away. From the Proctor's all too human body to the creativity and imagination in the Faerie what we see is amazingly well executed and rendered to thrill our imaginations. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a stupendous eye for storytelling. The colour work here as well it's simply beautiful and how it has this strategically placement is perfectly done. The Sepia tones in the flashback work extremely well to differentiate the two.
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     So this is our look at Philo and how he started on his first day and how he is becoming involved with the Burge. The detective work, the building of trust and how he's going to police this area that is what we see among this whole mystery of who's doing the bombing and why. There is a lot that happens here and while it's pretty darn close to a standard size issue thanks to the pacing and the storytelling everything flows naturally and perfectly. This is may be something of a prequel to the television series but heck I want this as a series in it's own right because this, this encapsulates everything a comic book should be.

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Red Range: Pirates of Fireworld #1

8/29/2019

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Red Range: Pirates of Fireworld #1
It's Alive! 2019
Plot by Joe R. Lansdale & Keith Lansdale
Written by Keith Lansdale
Illustrated & Lettered by Jok


     The Story So Far....
     A group of Klansman attacking a black family in South Texas at the end of the Civil War are interrupted by a vigilante known only as The Red Mask. He is able to run them off, but not before they murder the father and mother. With her dying breath, the mother tells The Red Mask about her son, who they hid in a nearby well when the assault began. The Red Mask pulls the boy up, and introduces himself as Caleb Range. From that day forward, Caleb, and the young boy named Turon, are hunted by the Klan. One day while trying to escape, they are caught up in a raging river. But instead of being washed out to sea, they are instead sent down under the earth to a place that seems lost in time. Confronted by relics from the past, present and future civilisations, Caleb and Turon begin to wonder if they will ever find a way home....

     I saw this was coming out and as always I checked it out and having never before read a title from It's Alive! And that it sounded interesting to me I had to find out more. I am so glad that I did too because this is a hoot and a half. I love the idea of the Land of the Lost vibe mixed with the Land that Time Forgot to create his world within a world. While there are no sleestak's there is a Seetoc so there's that. I love the way that this is being told and how the book is being structured.

     The story & plot development and the character development that we see here is extremely well done. While it's definitely interesting to hear Turon keep saying Cracker a lot and it makes me laugh, considering when they come from and having been chased by the Klan I can tolerate it. But what this does is really tell me more about this young man who is so young to be this jaded by life. In this underground world you'd think all men would be given a chance to be equal but prejudices run deep and that means we see young Turon making mistakes. Mistakes that could get him killed if he isn't more careful in the future. So I the characterisation really is strong and well utilised in a variety of ways here from the dialogue to the actions and reactions of what he sees and does and that's how you get the bigger picture about who someone is.
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     I do very much like the interiors that we see here from Jok. The way we see the linework and how it's varying weights are utilised to create this attention to detail is sensational. The composition inside the panels and how we see depth perception, the angles utilised and how integral seeing both foregrounds and backgrounds are to enhancing the moments and bringing a size and scope to the book is beautifully done. The utilisation of the page layouts and we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a superb eye for storytelling. The colour work is also very nice to see. That light source are utilised to create shading and shadow work through the various hues and tones is incredibly well rendered. 

     There is this creativity and imagination that is on display here that is undeniably fun and refreshing. It would seem anyone who has had the unfortunate pleasure to arrive here doesn't stop looking for a way home. Common goals make for interesting bedfellows indeed. Though will anyone be able to teach Turon about working with others who are different than he? Before it's too late and he's irrevocably scarred for life.

    Here is my recommendation go talk to your shop or service and get them to order everything from It's Alive! Drew is working his tuchus off to bring us new modern storytelling using classic old school characters and settings. The industry needs this as much as you do.  

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Wolvenheart #1 Advance Review

8/29/2019

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Wolvenheart #1 Advance Review
Mad Cave Studios 2019
On Sale October 30th 2019
Created & Written by Mark London
Illustrated by Alejandro Girlado
Logo & Lettered by Miguel Angel Zapata


     Led by the legendary professor Van Helsing, Wolvenheart is an organisation dedicated to monitoring anomalies in the space-time continuum. After the group is infiltrated and decimated by a cabal of history’s most infamous villains, led by the most notorious serial killer of the 16th century, Elizabeth Bathory, Sterling Cross, the organisation's most prolific monster slayer, winds up trapped in an alternate reality where his only choice is to fight his way through time and change the course of history!

The opening here is utterly fantastic! It is precisely what it needs to be to get the readers' attention, draw them in and have them wanting to see more. I think the creativity of what we see is sensational and the idea that someone in that condition would choose to be there at that moment in time and so creatively find their next meal so what the opening does at least for me is remind me of franchises like Castlevania or Vampire Hunter D but dare I say modernised to create something newer, fresher and more current. Not exactly an easy feat to accomplish these days as you'll find that this horror niche has been pretty much mined for filth.

     The story & plot development and the character development that we see within these pages is innovative, fresh and piques the curiosity beautifully. This is a seven issue arc and that's unusual in itself because usually they will fun from 4 to 6 so to see seven is great because it essentially allows Mark to do what he's doing here. He setting up the arc, the series and the franchise in a way that not only sets this all in motion but engages the reader in such a way that they will find ways to use their own mind, creativity and imagination to come up with solutions for what we see in these pages. Mark has gotten so much better and stronger as a writer and this shows that and how he almost effortlessly draws you in this way shows incredible skill and talent.

     There is another aspect of this story that hooks the reader. Nikola Tesla, one of the worlds greatest inventors who was discredited time and again in order to stop his innovations from putting big greedy companies out of business is responsible for many a gadget we see. Oh that and what exactly is this traveller other than a Romani Gypsy?

     Now if I am not mistaken I am going to with computer generated artwork. If this is the case then I don't want to see anything like that lecture hall as boring, without seating and there's no excuse for blank backgrounds. There is that moment on page 10(?) with the red but blacked out people that's okay because that is hella dynamic. Seeing headquarters for the first time shows me how capable Alejandro is and how vivid he can bring his imagination to life so he's set himself a standard here. God that image suspended, the colours the swirl throughout and how light sources create this shading and shadow work that encompasses the hues and tones within those colours. Blood effin Brilliant! The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us sensational eye for storytelling. One thing don't keep making his pecs look like boobs because they already do him no service seeing them like we do.
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     Now Mark has introduced us to not only a unique setting but an even more unique way of utilising the talent of the men and women of Wolvenheart. That alongside their very own version of Bad Wolf well that just heightens the tensions and anticipation factors for what's to come. This is a stupendous first issue that sets up the idea of the franchise, it's star player and creates this bond between the book and the reader leaving you wanting.  ​

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Doctor Mirage #1

8/29/2019

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Doctor Mirage #1
Valiant Entertainment 2019
Written by Magdalene Visaggio
Illustrated by Nick Robles
Coloured by Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by Dave Sharpe


     How do you solve the case of your own death?
     Paranormal expert Doctor Shan Fong Mirage was born with the ability to see and speak to the dead—an ability that has mysteriously stopped working. Have her powers failed or is something far more sinister at work? Will she figure out her fate and the fate of the one she loves the most? Valiant's gripping supernatural mystery starts here!

     I wonder if this is picking up from Incursion and what we saw of that. For me it's a logical guess considering what had happened and taking Gilead to the Deadside. If it doesn't that's not such a big deal but I the idea of that and the continuity aspect as well. Plus there are consequences to the actions these characters take with one another and they all know this. So there we are and while Magdalene doesn't reveal the events leading up to this the fact of the matter is this is where we find ourselves so let's dive in and have some fun shall we?

     This first issue is really interesting and the direction it is taking isn't one that I had expected to see and that alone should be worth the price of admission. The opening is superb and I like the way that we see the past brought to life as Shan relives her past in probably the worst scenario nightmare of a way. There really is something about this that delights and mortifies at the same time and Magdalene has found a way to balance those like one in a high wire act.

     I do like the way that this is being told and how we see the book being structured. The story & plot development and the character development have a really good way of weaving through each other in this symbiotic relationship with magnetic attraction and pushing apart. With the way that the pacing picks all this up and moves the story constantly forward makes the story travel at just the right speed for maximum enjoyment. The introduction of Grace Lugo is sensationally well done. Now if what she says is true well then there is some seriously weird shit going down but for whatever reason it doesn't feel like they are dead but what do I know? Well I do know the dialogue the two have is absolutely amazing and it does a hell of a lot with furthering their characterisation.

     Oh Nick dear sweet unassumingly cute Nick. I do believe that work you are doing within these pages are gold!the linework that we see and how their varying weights are utilised to create this attention to detail is superbly done. The way we see the composition inside the panels and how they bring this nice depth perception to us along with nice foreground/background work. Then we get to those pages where Nick and Jordie get to pop pills and take us on a modern day psychedelic trip like none other. I mean sweet home Alabama because the Devil went down to Georgia this is better than the wall on Laugh-In. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a stupendous eye for storytelling. Jordie is most assuredly one of today's best colourists working in the industry. The tones and hues that make up a colour and how we see the shading and shadow work this as close to perfection as humanly possible.
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     The story is delightfully unexpected and yet it still fits into what we think when we think of Doctor Mirage. This iteration of the character as a strong independent woman who is also dependent on the love of her dead husband is the kind of dichotomy that we live for. What Magdalene is doing here is reinforcing what we know and taking her some place she's never been before. Throw in Punk Mambo at some point and this will totally be one happy as a clam fanboy, spoiler alert I already am one!

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Songs for the Dead: The Necromancer's Map #1

8/29/2019

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The Necromancer's Map #1
Vault Comics 2019
Written by Andrea Fort & Michael Christopher Heron
Illustrated by Sam Beck
Coloured by Ellie Wright
Lettered by AndWorld Design


     A new Songs for the Dead story: Bethany, the necromancer with a heart of gold, and Elissar, her prone-to-brawling companion, are off to find the Covenant—a sanctuary for Bethany’s otherwise reviled magic. Unfortunately, their map makes no sense. Seeking the help of a young wizard named Jonas, whose knowledge may unravel the map’s secrets, Bethany and Elissar discover a mysterious illness plaguing The Foggard temple, home to the ancient order of mages. Double-unfortunately, Bethany and Elissar are not on the best of terms following the recent and violent encounter at Boulder’s Envy.

     I liked this. The writing feels like there have been previous adventures and we're just being introduced to the franchise now and that has it's benefits. It definitely has a homey feel to it and I like and appreciate that because it makes the reader feel invited to be a part of the story and of Bethany's group. The opening does wonders in make you feel for her and empathising with her not to mention wanting to slap someone silly. It is nicely done so that we see the opposition she faces and we see how certain groups are indeed unwilling, not unable just unwilling, to help as they turn their noses down upon them.

     I love when the writing is so good that you feel what the character is feeling and you want to help them in their quest. She is a bit too nice and sometimes naïve for her own good and could use a good toughening up or at least someone with a high diplomatic score. I wouldn't mind a ranger or even a thief being brought into her group this way someone can talk the good talk. That I found myself not only thinking that but also thinking of ways in my head to retort Bryna using her own words against her. Thus becoming so engaged in the story on a personal level that there is no turning back now, I am in like Flynn as the saying goes.

     Along with that the pair does some absolutely wonderful characterisation. That we can know these characters through their dialogue and actions, yes reaction to a situation as well, so quickly is a gift, talent and skill also apply. The story & plot development and the character development that we see here weave in and out of each other as the story dictates and when the pacing picks it all up and how it constantly moves it all forward is fantastic.

     I do like what Sam does with the interiors here. Right off the bat you can see she has been working on her craft and the linework that I am seeing has those varying weights being utilised to create the attention to detail and it's utilised beautifully. We see posture and other indications in the body positions to enhance the characterisation. There is some unique and interesting ways we see depth perception happening here as well. The underground with those backgrounds are extremely nice to see and expand how we see and feel in that part of the story. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a nice solid eye for storytelling. I do like how much we see backgrounds being utilised. I like the colour work here and the effect we see surrounding Elissar. That is where the best work comes into play with the various highlight colours and various hues and tones. Much of the rest feel flat, more 2-Dimensional. That underground area with the candles and such was a missed opportunity.
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     I have to say that this is nicely done. I like the characters, I like how it feels new reader friendly and has that all-ages appeal. There is something about the way characters are introduced that makes it feel natural and not forced or “needed” to happen. The character development is sensational and as they split up and find what they need in the moment maybe that will help at least Elissar heal a bit. Regardless this young woman, Bethany, has the ability to inspire others to follow her and she has what it takes to a good role model.  ​

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Tommy Gun Wizards #1

8/29/2019

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Tommy Gun Wizards #1
Dark Horse Comics 2019
Written by Christian Ward
Illustrated by Sami Kivelä
Coloured by Christian Ward & Dee Cunniffe
Lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou


     Mobsters, magic, and mayhem in the Prohibition era! Eliot Ness and his team of Untouchables work overtime taking on dangerous criminals that hide in the seedy underbelly of 1930's Chicago. Except in this world, Al Capone isn't dealing in alcohol, but in magic. With Lick, a drug that grants magical powers to anyone who ingests it, mobsters become wizards, ordinary men become monsters, and darker secrets than Ness can imagine lie at the heart of it all.

     I rather enjoyed this book. The premise is solid, the cast of characters interesting and diverse plus the whole idea of alternate history infused with magic well they've just taken this to a whole new level. Now aside from the fact of when this story is being set, prohibition in Chicago, how this is being told is as impressive to me. The way the book is structured is fantastic and that the we see this whole deal with the Church and a Priest spewing fake news that would make Trump proud well it is kind of fun to see.

      I do like the way that this story is being told and how the book is structured. The sting operation was okay it serves it's purpose I just it hadn't been interrupted and instead we'd started with the introduction of characters. That little bit did nothing to tell me who the guy who went into the bar was and while I now have this desire to see more of Detective Charlie Drake Wilson I still think there was a more effective way to have this be done. Let's face it when dude took that lick and starting shooting fire all over the place that was the best bits out of this, including Mr. White doing his disappearing act.

      Of course it is the events that come after the raid where things get even more interesting. Christian does such an amazing job in getting the reader to become engaged in the story. Elliot pushes himself harder than anyone knows, realises and should so it's no surprise that while our drunk magic man is in the clink that happens. Seriously the creativity and imagination that we see here id feckin brilliant! The characterisation and the story development that occurs is something that grabs our attention, raises an eyebrow (see Spock) and get lost in their own minds for a moment.

     The interiors here are gorgeous. The linework we see shows a strong steady hand the way that the varying weights are utilised so that they create this attention to detail is incredibly well done. I really like the way we see the composition inside the panels it gives Sami the opportunity to utilise backgrounds and with the page layouts this way there can be those ones that are blank right alongside them and still be incredibly effective. Plus we see some nice depth perception and then there are moments like seeing the river, which I still love doing when I am in Chicago, which make this as delightful as it. The eye Sami has for storytelling is extraordinary as we see the angles and perspective in the panels. The colour work as well is beautifully done. The way we see the hues and tones within the colours themselves to create the shading and shadows that we see is extraordinary. To see Elliot's hand on that last page with those colours holding that it was amazingly well rendered.

     Overall putting this new spin on Elliot Ness and the Untouchables as they try to put Capone out of business and clean up Chicago is a lot fun. There is darkness abounding here and it is pretty out in the open so can Elliot and his men stay on the side of the righteous or will they succumb to their inner darker desires in the name of the cause? Interesting heroes and equally dynamic and fascinating villains in a world of magic and mobsters what more could you possibly ask for?

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Mall #1

8/28/2019

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Mall #1
Vault Comics 2019
Written by Michael Moreci & Gary Dauberman
Illustrated by Zak Harton
Coloured by Addison Duke
Lettered by Jim Campbell


     Here in the heartland of the U.S. of A., the world has ended! But worry not, because the mall still stands. And within the walls of this consumerism mecca lies a new world order: box store tribes and name brand gangs, all vying for limited space and resources. So, actually…you can worry! Especially for poor Andre Reed, who—after the assassination of a tribal leader—has to navigate the mad haven to prove his innocence, and prevent the end of the world, again!

     Alright I am intrigued but I am definitely going to need more before I can fully commit to this. The concept is okay and we've seen it before, mainly in zombie films or that telly series of The Fog where the Mall becomes a safe haven for those survivors. I don't mind skipping how the world ended and the introduction through narration is done extremely well for me. The city burns in the distance but this Mall survives unscathed, suspending disbelief is fine it's a comic book after all it doesn't have to be iron clad explanation.

     After that we see the narration continue but we also see a girl with a baby and have it taken from her. I am not a fan of this and more so because it feels too random like the narration would support this but it's an extreme example and it's disturbing for all the wrong reasons. Those two pages I could have done without and instead focused on Andre and how he got into that room with the dead man. For my money someone drugged him and set him up so they'd find him in there and the most logical train of thought is the person who found him there being the guilty party.

     I am a little confused by the way the book is structured. I think we go too quickly through some of this instead of taking the time for us to let things sink in. Also how is it that everyone went all Escape From New York living in the Mall? Where does their food come from? Is there agriculture or are we to believe that the food court has been feeding them all this time? The idea of gangs forming from the survivors in the mall is one thing but if generations have passed I need to know and see more because this feels like it should be set shortly after it all went down.

     I am kind of digging the interiors here. The style feels current and while not unique to Zak it feels on trend. Though I will say there is some really nice attention to detail here that I find extremely appealing, for example the old man boobs and oxygen tank yeah. His daughter and the craziness of those masked guys there is a lot of great creativity and imagination that we see here. The gangs and where they are based and what they are based on yeah I am pretty impressed. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a good strong eye for storytelling. They are in a mall so really I think backgrounds should be focused on more because I don't feel like we're in a mall at all. The colour work is solid stuff. I would like to see more colour blocking or gradation being utilised and I don't see where the light sources are coming from so there really isn't much in the way of shading and shadows.
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     This is the kind of book where you give it like three issues to impress you. The premise drew me in but the quality and level of work hasn't made me an instant fan. This means a few more issues to see where it's going and how well it's going. There is some great promise here and that's important and I'm hoping that this all gels together soon. I'll give it to Vault though for seeing the potential and giving us the chance to see that for ourselves. ​

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The Traveller #1

8/28/2019

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The Traveller #1
Tpub Comics 2019
Created & Written by Neil Gibson
Created & Illustrated by Tasos Anastasiades
Coloured by Jan Wijngaard
Lettered by Hass Otsmane-Elhaou



     The Traveller is a Steampunk adventure comic about Iosef, a poor shepherd from Georgia at the turn of the 19th century. Lonely and depressed, with only diseased sheep to his name, Iosef decides to end his life. Before he can pull the trigger, though, an otherworldly traveller appears before him. In a panic, Iosef shoots and kills him. Searching through the visitor’s possessions, Iosef accidentally puts on a gauntlet that clamps to his arm, binding to him. In a panic, he accidentally activates the gauntlet and is pulled into a parallel world. In exploring many worlds, he tries to find somewhere that he can be happy and find his true calling – but the results aren’t what anyone would expect.

     Well I dunno about the Steampunk aspect of all this but I will say this the premise and the way this is being told is extremely well done. I am intrigued by this and I look forward to the next three issues as they flesh this out so like a flower it blooms into something beautiful. I do like the way that this is being told and it's not just the opening either because usually that's what we get to draw us in and encourage the reader to keep going. This whole issue feels like an introduction to Iosef and his life leading up to the last page.

     This is told as a narration in the form of a letter to a woman whom he could have loved but didn't turn to him in the end. As much as this is a goodbye letter it's also something that apparently Iosef needs to get off his chest. What is crystal clear here is the way Neil is bringing the characterisation to us. This runs the gamut of emotions for both Iosef and for the reader as we cannot help but empathise with him and feel his loneliness as if it were a physical weight. That is one of the most powerful things about this issue is how well Neil actually brings us these feelings and emotions and how can engage the reader in such a way as to make them feel these emotions as well. That is not something too many can do at this level and in this way so I recommend you find out why I hold him in this high esteem.

     This is my introduction to Tasos and his work and it's really pretty okay. The one thing I always say is to utilise backgrounds, they expand the moment and bring a size and scope to the story. It feels like there's a lot of blank empty space here that could utilised better. While I love the way that we Iosef's face and facial expressions and the linework that is utilised to create that attention to detail I do wish we'd see that in the sheep or the other characters we meet. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a solid eye for storytelling. The colour work is nicely done and I like the swirling colours and how we see the light sources create shading and shadows.

     So I really have to wonder what was the breaking point for Iosef before he finally left where he was and moved on? Was it the illness he can't fight or the woman who chose to seek safety in someone else's arms? Then of course there is that whole be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. So what's next for our intrepid Traveller who knows but from the looks of things he's found some like-minded individuals but looks can be deceiving. Can't wait for next issue to see what is going on next!

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Mountainhead #1

8/28/2019

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Mountainhead #1
IDW Publishing 2019
Written by John Lees
Illustrated by Ryan Lee
Coloured by Doug Garbark
Lettered by Shawn Lee


     Abraham Stubbs and his father Noah roam America in a nomadic existence. Convinced they are being pursued by sinister government forces, Noah has them living off the grid, burgling houses to survive. Elsewhere, on Mount Rector, the lone survivor of a climbing expedition staggers homeward, covered in blood. Both are on an inevitable collision course with the picturesque Canadian resort town of Braeriach.

     Oh yes indeed alright folks so this is a strong start to a new series from Mr. Lees. The opening here is fantastic in how it attracts the readers' attention and makes you want to know what the heck is going on here. I do like how we learn the meaning behind the issues title and how that plays into what we see going on it is a very well done addition and it also makes this weird kind of sense when it all boils down to it. Huge kudos, shoutout, to Ryan and Doug “Lee” for the visuals that accompany the narration here. One doesn't work nearly as well without the other and the symbiotic nature of how we see all of them working together, including Shawn, is our first look at what we should expect throughout the series entire run.

     Meanwhile as they say we get to meet Abraham and his father Noah. There are a number of emotional things run through the readers' mind and heart here. Now I don't know how old Abraham is supposed to be but he looks like he's around 10 years old. I said early how integral it is for this writing and interiors being so integral to one another and that is so true when it comes to seeing what Abraham does and how we see him in this moment. There is some mighty fine characterisation happening here in the visuals that would never be able to come across in the writing.

     The story & plot development alongside the character development here is phenomenally well done. The way we see the two come together, separate and dance around each other like some ceremonial dance around a fireplace keeps the reader glued to the story. The pacing that moves this all forward is consistent and has this way of making you feel like this is a much longer story than it really is and that's a great feeling and something that John is able to do for us. To make a standard issue count seem like an extra set of pages are here shows how talent he is when it comes to writing and crafting a story.

     At first glance I was questioning some of the choices in the human form but then the further we got into the story I forgot to keep looking for them. I am the guy who champions the utilisation of backgrounds in books but I don't have to do that here all I have to do is sit back and ogle the work he's doing here. This is how you do if folks this is how you use the attention to detail, the varying weights of the linework to create such amazing detail work in every aspect from the main character to the backgrounds. The composition in the panels and perspectives we see as the utilisation of the page layouts all show the stellar eye for storytelling. The creativity and imagination is stupendous and then the colour work that we see is extremely well utilised. Daytime, night time it doesn't matter we see some lovely colours and the variation of the tones and hues is so nice to see. P.S. That old man in the chair yeah that's spectacular!
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     I think that the emotional turmoil that we see within the pages of this book is far and away some of the best reading you are going to do. I mean seeing what Abraham is going through, what he has to look forward to and how John takes the reader off script engaging the readers' mind with what about, when did, how does, and many more questions. John makes you think and that's a freaking amazing thing as the layers we are introduced to compound with what we see. There is a mystery from the opening that we see in the ending and as Abraham's life takes a new turn in ways he has no control over we're seeing what could be the Fall's must have book. And John's announcement that he's here and he's here to stay, with talent such as this all I gotta say is pull up a chair.

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Bronze Age Boogie #5

8/27/2019

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Picture
Bronze Age Boogie #05
Ahoy Comics 2019
Written by Stuart Moore
Illustrated by Alberto Ponticelli
Coloured by Giulia Brusco
Lettered by Rob Steen


     Previously.....
     1975 A.D.
     As Martians overrun New York City, street warrior Lynda Darrk and martial-arts master Jackson Li meet teenage barbarian Brita Constantina...and find themselves catapulted back to Brita's Time...
     1975 B.C.
     …..where Brita's father, Ding Domnall, faces another Martian invasion. But while Brita accepts an offer from the cosmic entity Godd, Li meets the true leader of the Martian Invasion, Thomas Eckhart, his own estranged father!

     I have been in love with this since day one. Each and every issue that has come since only serves to reinforce that love. I mean this is crazy and while it feels odd and Kooky it is probably the most fun I am currently having while reading comics. I mean we've got that crazy ape lady running this version of a Doom Patrol style organisation. The group consists of street level fighters with no powers who happen to be time lost and hopping group of misfits. What more could you possibly hope for?

     The ragtag group has to stop a Martian Invasion and they were all selected for their role to be played. By whom well that's another matter entirely but with respect for Lynda's fighting prowess and Jackson who's father well he's the leader of this masquerade and then of course there is young Brita who has a time travelling monkey who was sent there as punishment but also to teach the young lady about the future. Stuart has one of the best imaginations around as he can use this amazing talent and skill set he possesses to bring this idea to life and not make it feel like a hodgepodge of ideas that can't gel.

     The story & plot development alongside the character development that we see here is extraordinary. They work together, separately and with the pacing moving everything constantly forward there is literally never a dull moment. We are constantly seeing these revelations and twists and turns in the plot that continue to surprise us and make us laugh, giggle or shake our heads wondering how the hell did he come up with that? While Lynda finally gets the history lesson with who the Martians really can the assembled forces fight them back or will the very thing that the ancient Atlanteans created to control the ancient ones be used to ensure Eckhart's victory?

     The interiors here are exceptionally well done. I like how we see the varying weights in the linework being utilised to create the attention to detail. Also I mean Lynda's look with that jumpsuit and those white platform go-go boots yeah it's a look we can't stop staring at, oh and that afro yeah this is why I love her. Also there is just that special something here in how we see these crazy robotic spiders in a castle that was created long ago it just makes the reader feel something. What that is is dependent on the reader. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a sensational eye for storytelling. The way backgrounds are utilised to really enhance the moments and bring us that size and scope to the story are very well done. The attention to detail in every aspect of what we see is a real treat too so that the backgrounds, creatures and everything else that the creativity and imagination has revealed looks fantastic. The colour work is nice to see as well. The colour blocking is done well so that the various hues and tones create some dimension in the work.
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     So the King and the Dog are down but what awaits them all outside is the mother of all cliffhangers. You really do not want to miss the conclusion of this arc as winner takes it all! Folks I am not sorry because this is some of the most wonderful, crazy, off the wall and outside the box storytelling that makes me laugh until I cry.

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