Archie #3
Archie Comics 2015
Written by Mark Waid
Illustrated by Fiona Staples
Coloured by Andre Szymanowicz & Jen Vaughn


    When Archie joined the construction team working on the new Lodge Manor, he made a MAJOR mess of things!  And Mr. Lodge’s beautiful daughter, Veronica, caught Archie in the act of accidentally destroying their mansion-in-progress.  Now Archie’s got to right his wrongs if he wants to get in good with Veronica, who’s starting her first day at Riverdale High, and finally get over his breakup with Betty Cooper.

    Alright while I never understood the reasoning to stop the old run and have a new one instead of them both it’s really not my  place to try.  Instead i’m just enjoying the hell out of what Mark and Fiona are bringing us.  Gone are the Happy Day’s life of the Riverdale gang where things work themselves out in a half situation comedy.  Instead we get more of an almost teen soap opera story complete with rivalries, jealousy and infatuations that more accurately reflect modern teenage life.

    I have to say I like the whole Archie talking to audience breaking the fourth wall deal.  Even when he’s talking to Jughead it feels like he’s talking to us and it’s kind of endearing really.  HIs innocence shines through in those moments like he’s just a kid caught up in his emotions and with his bad luck and awe shucks personality relating to him is easy.  So much so he doesn’t even notice her personality just that’s she’s beautiful and knows about the house.

    One of the things that I really enjoyed about the issue is now that Veronica has been introduced is Jughead’s reaction to her.  Okay it’s been established Jughead was once a rich kid whose family has lost it all and he copes, very well from the look of things and he’s concerned about his best friend so the way that Fiona demonstrates the animosity they have towards one another without even speaking a word.  

    Another is seeing the first meeting between Betty and Veronica.  What should be a great moment of friendship turns out to be something else entirely and pushes Betty firmly into Jughead’s corner of making sure that Archie and Veronica are something that is to never happen!  Whether this will resolve the #lipstickincident is another thing entirely but it’s still clear she likes Archie and trying to resist those feelings comes under thou dost protest too much.

    It’s only issue three and already this new take on a classic has my full support and approval.  It’s nothing like it was except for the likeness and names which I am finding more and more something I appreciate.  This “modern” take on them has all kinds of potential and how things will play, who will be friends with whom and all that jazz is so up in the air it’s like starting a brand new series with brand new characters.  Forget what you knew and join the Riverdale gang as things start fresh.

    Having always been a fan of the Archie gang for as long as I can remember having this total overhaul made me weary.  Fortunately these folks have the same love of the characters I do and that shows.  So enjoy Ronnie’s first day at school i’m sure you’ll find it more fun than she did!

Conan the Avenger #18
Dark Horse Comics 2014
Written by Fred Van Lente
Illustrated by Brian Ching
Coloured by Michael Atiyeh


    Conan fights his way to the top of the Tower of Silence and defeats the so-called raiders within, only to discover they’re actually the Monks of Gatha, protecting their sacred flame—Conan has been deceived into slaying them! Meanwhile, the slave girls who survived the slaughter at the Oasis of Akrel take Natala, Kerim Shah, and Queen Taramis captive . . . The girls are, in fact, cleverly disguised she-devil warriors, the true perpetrators of the massacre—and their leader is none other than Janissa the Widowmaker . . .

    It constantly amazes me that each issue seems to keep adding more depth and dimension to Conan and the world he lives in.  I’m in awe of Fred’s ability to keep surprising me month in and month out.  Keeping what’s come before in Conan’s history and keeping it fresh and new yet familiar at the same time isn’t daunting for readers not all that familiar with his past  adventures.  Also that we see so much thought and seeming preparation from Conan in his own brusque and unmistakable way keeps the allure of the character.

    While Janissa is on the ground and Conan atop the tower it’s interesting to see what each has to deal with regarding those around them.  That Conan is surrounded by men who whimper and moan instead of think and fight makes what he has to do harder and far more impressive.  That he remains this steadfast MAN through it all and not ready to take any of that sissiness from these cowards around him just reaffirm that he’s staying true to the man, the myth and the legend.

    Janissa and her right hand woman Sanna having their own banter back and forth is nice.  By questioning what Janissa is doing and how she goes about it shows us this trust between them, regardless of the threats, and keeps showing us not only why Janissa does what she does but her reasoning.  It’s more difficult to showcase this when dealing with two such distinct personalities but watching them go at each other verbally with different points of view is really amazing well done.  

    On a side note when Conan emerges to face Janissa wow is that one hell of shot from Brian!  I do wish he’d have chest hair but that’s personal preference.  His work on Conan alone is worth reading this because his subtle facial expressions really make it a joy to read the story.

    This story keeps getting more intense, action packed and full of What the Heck moments as it goes forward.  Not only is this such character driven but it’s got these moments you don’t expect and the revelations and surprises Fred delivers really showcases his ability to thrill and entertain readers.  Conan is fighter and for us to be so drawn into him and his world in these ways without having to always resort to such bloodthirsty adventures make him that much more interesting a man.

    When you get a series that can stay true to what is expected, then surpass that and make it universal in new ways it something that should be applauded.  The writing, action and characterization not to mention the story progression really set this run apart.  

Book of Death: The Fall of Harbinger #1
Valiant Entertainment 2015
Written by Joshua Dysart
Illustrated by Kano


    Against the Bleeding Monk’s counsel-and with Peter nowhere to stop him-Harada waged war to realize his vision.  This is the story of the fall of Peter Stanchek and his friends and enemies.  This is the story of the fall of Harbinger…..

    I’ve been wanting a comeback for the characters in Harbinger for quite some time so it’s nice to see they haven’t been forgotten.  When Charlene died and the team fell into disarray I feared we wouldn’t hear from them again still this gives me hope we’ll see them again down the road.  Joshua really did a number on this story that gives the Valiant Universe hope that we’ll see more of the kids as they grow up and once again take to the spotlight.

    We open with the team hurtling through space towards the approaching Toyo Harada.  It seems that Peter and Toyo will forever be locked in an eternal struggle one against the other and this is their final conflict.  It does amaze me however how long these characters live, I mean these powers are a boon to the right ones.  We switch very quickly to the events that have lead to the opening page.  In the year 2183 C.E. there’s an event that wasn’t supposed to happen the Bleeding Monk has bled to death.

    This isn’t the story of how or why Toyo Harada left Earth or the Foundation Zone on the Somali Coast.  Nor is it the story of how Peter came to rule that land and be the Omega of the Harbinger foundation.  Both events however do show us that hopefully we’ll see so much more of what’s happened and will be happening to these characters and the world they live in.  This gives me hope for more Harbinger.  Joshua’s amazing at telling a story and glossing over the past to hit the present, in this case the far future, so that there’s plenty of room open for learning exactly what will or has happened.  This means a plethora of untold stories waiting for us to read.

    After a brief conversation between Monk Keeper Curtis Mayfield and Peter about the Monk it makes more anxious than ever to see more.  There’s an unexplored history between Peter and the Monk and their feelings about Harada that scream for attention.  This conversation between the Monk and Peter is portrayed to perfection in both words, characterization and interior artwork that it goes far beyond capturing the mind and imagination of the reader.  It also beautifully sets up what’s to happen next.

    We go back twelve years to the final meeting between Peter and Harada before he left the planet and learn why he did.  As Joshua details the events that happen on Earth as Harada gets closer and closer, more powerful than ever things start to take on a more surreal aspect.  I have to admit I love it!  He uses his powers to travel bring with him all his friends and former teammates along for this final confrontation.  This has to be some of the most trippy and interesting dialogue/characterization i’ve seen.  It is completely not what you should expect but what you always hope you’d see.  Everything leading up to the last page is the kind of storytelling you dream about getting and it just makes you want more.  This may be the final story for Peter Stanchek but it’s really laying the groundwork for the Harbinger’s return.  Hopefully this will be just that the return of these characters and a team that helped re-launch this company to greatness.

    Kano does some of the most amazing illustrations on this book.  There’s so much depth, emotion and just a sense of overall awe inspiring feeling that you can’t escape from.  There’s so many examples of exemplary work on these pages but honestly the only real way to do it justice is for you to see it and understand why it’s so powerful.  

    This may come from the Book of Death but for me it means life for these characters to follow to these points.

Fathom Blue #4
Aspen Comics 2015
Written by Vince Hernandez
Penciled by Claudio Avella
Inked by Mark Roslan
Coloured by Justice, Wes Hartman & John Starr


    The group discovered that Elia Fawn shared a history with their target, Eries, and were forced to rescue her after she was momentarily stunned by his attack. However, the entire island of Alcatraz was not enough to contain Elia’s rage upon her recovery--and the team was forced to relinquish him into her custody, and splinter into two…

    I like that we open this issue seeing Shalla in stasis.  He’s a major player not only in the arms race but in the Fathom Universe in general and after seeing him provide what he did and his actions in Kiani it will be interesting to see what happens with him as the book progresses.  

    Back to Elia however and her “friend” Eries.  Their conversation is somewhat illuminating and the fact that she feels she can do some good and is gaining the enemies trust does show a certain amount of naivete to her.  Had she said working with them to keep a closer eye on what they are up to and doing would have been a smarter route but that she believes what she does well that just shows she’s going to be in for a rude awakening down the road.  Still it’s good characterization on Vince’s part.  

    Learning more about Eries and why he is doing what he’s doing however was even better.  That the surface dwellers invaded his home and killed his wife without provocation has given him a much harder view of the way life works.  It really does serve to reinforce how the American’s feel about that which they do not understand or can control.  I’ve long thought the U.S. Government was akin to the playground bully and this serves to remind me i’m not alone in my thinking.  

While Claudio is a talented artist there are times I feel he is either rushing or not putting as much detail into the work.  Close ups on facial expressions are great but it’s when you pull back a little bit that it seems like there’s much less detail and it can come across generic in nature.  Something that Aspen hasn’t been known for in their books.  When Eries describes his first encounter with human subs and what transpires the words don’t match the visuals and that’s a little disappointing.

When we see the remainder of the team onboard the aircraft I was thrilled.  It’s nice to see the “kid” taking charge and proving that his mind is his greatest asset.  Also it does wonders for me to see them starting to work as a team using their gifts this way so that at some point they won’t really need to rely on the power that Elia provides.  Sometimes a team with “lesser” powers can be more effective when working together than one “powerhouse” can.  I’m hoping this is something Vince sees and will try to incorporate into the storyline.  

    I am very much enjoying Vince’s exploration of the Fathom world with these characters as the focus.  I’m hoping that Claudio’s pencil’s tighten up and become stronger the he works on them, the potential for that is there after all.  Overall though this is a great strong offering from Aspen allowing new readers to experience the world without having to worry about the characters histories since those are unfolding in front of us.

Nameless #5
Image Comics 2015
Written by Grant Morrison
Illustrated by Chris Burnham
Coloured by Nathan Fairbairn


    Past, present, future for Nameless there really doesn’t seem to be much of a distinction and with his abilities and what he can do well it makes learning more about him just that much more interesting.  I think one of the things that fascinates me immensely about all this is that it takes a while to figure out if what we see if pre or post or during what he’s experiencing in space.  The way Grant writes all this it could be any of it at any given point in time and that kind of maddening experience makes this that much more desirable to read.  it’s the unpredictability that we get which draws us in like a magnet.

    Chris has been and continues to be an extremely talented artist but there’s something about what he’s bringing to the table here seems to have elevated what he does.  Page one with Nameless standing inside that police tape is just so mesmerizing and captivating, he’s this perfect representation it’s so damn good.  Not just that though it’s the whole issue from the past to the present it just has this extra something about it like he’s hit this new plateau with what he can do.  

    Somehow that what he experienced previously tying into the trip to the asteroid Xibalba and the whole thing feeling like it’s predestined wasn’t what I was expecting but then that’s why I love Grant’s storytelling ability.  In the house where we see what’s been already with a group of thirteen of the world’s most notable psychics, be them real or created, and the chaos that can happen when someone thinks it’s a good idea to bring them together for their own purpose.  One of the things i’m hoping for now is that we get to revisit some of this later on down the road.  We’re getting so much potential background information and how all of what we’ve seen so far has impacted Nameless.

    By the way that scene with the bright blues, purples and reds yeah that’s one of those Holy Shit moments and i’m including the wording in that as well.  The ramifications of what they’ve found and whom they are communicating with well let’s just say everything we’ve learned thus far gets changed.  When his memories of the past and present merge and change how he sees things it changes how we see things and it’s this constant change that keeps you guessing and thinking as you read.  It’s very cerebral in nature and it’s this kind of story that you have to think about that makes me excited for the series.  

    There’s a scene where Nameless claims “God made me do it” that i’d love to see more of!  There’s something inherently creepy  and fascinating in the fact that his pants are where they are and the peekaboo somewhat hidden penis is the kind of possession that keeps me watching horror movies.  There’s so much going on here that means you have to pay attention to each panel of each page and what’s written on it or you’ll miss something.  

    This is one of the most complex, innovative, unique and interesting stories on stands.  With the quality of the writing and the interior artwork to match there’s a reason image is at the forefront of the greatest books around.  

Jirni vol.2 #2 (of 5)
Aspen Comics 2015
Written by J.T. Krul
Penciled by V Ken Marion
Inked by Mark Roslan
Coloured by Juan Fernandez


    Ara’s voyage across the Tenali Sea continued aboard Boro’s ship as the crew arrived at the Black Rock to trade goods for the precious Ziar energy source. Yet, their agreement came to a deadly halt when one of their own stole from the Tykthas creatures inhabiting the island, forcing Ara to battle for their safety and ultimately...sacrifice the thief herself…

    I do like how this opens up with members of Boro’s crew none too happy with him.  I mean it would be nice if Boro were truly a Captain of a merchant style vessel but let’s face it he’s got thief and pirate written all across him and from what we seen so does his crew.  After all we saw what happened last issue and an honest respectful crew well they don’t behave that way now do they?   One of the things I really like about it however is that is gives Ken a chance to really get into expressing himself with such diversity among the crew with his art.  

    The same art that is spectacularly carried over to Boro and Ara themselves.  I mean page two alone with it’s feast on the table captures everything  you need to know about them in one single shot.  He’s a charming man full of tales and lust she bemused by him and allows him his sense of being who he’s not.  It really does say a lot about how talented he, Mark and Juan are to be able to pull that off in one spectacular pinup page.

    I am a huge fan of J.T.’s and the dialogue between Ara and Boro clearly showcases why I hold him in such high regard.  Add to this the imagery we get while he’s talking about himself, his past and growing up well you really get this bigger picture of who he is.  There’s this whole thing happening here where he’s trying to dispel the way Ara sees him but at the same time much of it is correct but not because of the reasons we think.  This is the kind of characterization that the reader is privy to but the person he’s talking to isn’t so we get to see this more in depth look at him which makes him more relatable and likeable.

    How Ara’s own past ties into what he says is equally as interesting as Boro does have a way with words.  That going along with his dashing good looks makes him more than formidable character.  There’s a connection between these two that may be a flight of fancy or something but as of yet that’s undetermined and that alone is capable of drawing us back time and again to see what will happen transpire between them.  

    What would this book be however without a nice unexpected visit from supposed creatures of myth causing them to battle?   Once again Ken gets to stretch his imagination muscle and create his own version of what mermaids in this world look like.  Under the sea they appear ravishing and seductive until it’s too late and their true visage is seen in the midst of their attack.  I like this it’s kind of a cross between traditional mermaids and Ursula and they are indeed hideous yet deadly opponents making them a wonderful addition to the series.  

    One of the reasons i’m enjoying this as much as I am is that while Ara is beautiful she isn’t objectified and Boro is as easily handsome as she is beautiful.  There’s more than just physical traits in the book but they do certainly enhance the reading.  With J.T.’s writing and Ken’s pencils it’s no wonder this is such an all around stunning display for any reader.

The New  Zodiax #2

Astronaut Ink 2015

Created, Written & Drawn by Joe St. Pierre


    Benjamin F. is the most gifted hacker of his age.  In his online identity as The Liberaider, he and a group of hacktivists from the Killer Vapor site became targets of the Dinosaur Corporation.  After stealing an unknown liquid metallic substance from the Dinosaur database, Benjamin encountered two assassins who attacked and seeming drowned him in the liquid metal.  

    There’s a real unique creativity on display here from Joe.  The liquid metal is a nice substance and whatever it’s truly made of will hopefully be explored as the series progresses but for now it’s a nice mystery.  That we’re getting in on the ground floor of Benjamin and what he becomes from the beginning instead of having him be the hero and having to backtrack and learn about him keeps this fresh.  Yes Benjamin is a hacker and his brain is wired differently than most so seeing him go with the flow and think quickly on the fly is something I actually expect out of him.  Joe showcases this nicely too.  

    While computers and computer based powers aren’t new they have been underutilized and underdeveloped at the level we are beginning to see here.  It’s very evident that some solid research has been done so that the actions he takes are plausible.  For me reading this it’s like watching an updated Hackers meets Heroes and that has my full attention and some great appeal.  While I can never get too much hard science behind things computers and how they work and what can be done with them aren’t necessarily layman terms easy to tell but here I can follow along easily enough and be entertained along the way.

    Visually i’m impressed with the what we get inside the computer reality as well in actual reality.  Both are distinctive and have some great attention to detail, the pixelated effects on some of the inside imagery really made this more exciting to see.  Meanwhile the real world with it’s attention to detail in things like the bridge, water and explosions showcase a good grasp of how to differentiate the realities.  

    What happens with Benjamin through his consciousness and his body’s subsequent recovery leaves little room for doubt that he has all the makings of a hero but with his hacker background that’s the big question mark.  Will he do what’s right because it is or will he do things the same way circumventing the law to do it his way?  Regardless this is the birth of a hero unlike you’ve seen thus far and it’s an exciting journey to be taking.

    There’s a backup story here as well and it deals with a being known as the Lion.  This one makes me excited.  I’m a huge Ancient Egypt fan and the mythology of their gods and their Pharaoh's so that the Lion comes from this time and place has me looking forward to seeing and learning more about him.  

    Even better is that a pair of archeologists uncover his tomb in the way they do is not only exciting but would be kind of plausible in a fantastic way.  With modern technology advancing at such fast rates finding what they do isn’t unbelieveable and that the Ancient Egyptians would have been able to create this shouldn’t be underestimated, after all we still have a hard time really understanding how the Pyramids were built.  

    As I find myself getting further and further away from the Big Two’s offerings I come to appreciate the talent, love and passion creators like Joe have for what they do.  This is by far a more cohesive, well constructed, well executed story that has real life basis mixed with the superhero mindset and it’s a rare breed that should be explored by everyone!

Manifest Destiny #17
Skybound/Image Comics 2014
Created & Written by Chris Dingess
Penciled by Matthew Roberts
Inked by Stefano Gaudino & Tony Akins
Coloured by Owen Gieni


    I can’t rave enough about this series.  That Chris had the wherewithal to create a world that is explored by Lewis & Clark and mix it with such supernatural creatures thus giving Alternate History a new meaning has been brilliant from the start.  Sure we see them going across the vast unexplored wilderness that is the American Frontier and yes we see Sacajawea but it’s the imagination of these guys that have kept us coming back time and again to see how things keep unfolding.  

    Last issue Collins went with the bearbird up the arch of shit to kill the beast that terrorizes this area.  This issue we open with a little rundown of Collin’s life and what led up to him being with this exploration.  You can’t help but like the kid after seeing how tough he’s had it and that he’s so eager to help and give it his all, to fit in and be accepted.  The characterization from Chris is stellar stuff and honestly it’s why when I finally did find this series i’ve made it a point to try to expose it to as many people as I possibly can.

I do like seeing the difference in Lewis and Clark as they discuss this situation and that Lewis has a practical head on his shoulders wanting to come up with an alternative plan should the one they’ve enacted not succeed.  Actually the way these two play off each other personality wise really is brilliant writing.  On one hand it almost makes me want to see them be true lovers dedicated to one another for all time and on the other hand it’s this connection they currently have that makes them as successful as they are so why mess with it?

I love seeing Sacajawea and her predicament.  She’s pregnant and has a full on massive fever and sickness.  Living in the world we do it’s easy to forget that in this era modern medicine was so archaic and that it really was more cases of ride it out and survive, make the patient comfortable and hope for the best than take two aspirin and call in the morning.  We’ve gotten so really good intense moments and background as her fevered mind shows us scenes of her childhood and giving us even more clarity as to why she left her people.  

Now as for the creature they hunt there are plenty of clues as to what it is but you’ll have to read the story to truly understand just how brilliant including it here is.  What they call the Vameter leaves the dung pile once a moon and feeds.  When they do finally find it and Corporal Sheets well Clark’s faith in the boy and what he’s capable of comes to fruition.  Now this Vameter will be known to many of you but to spoil that would unmentionable so suffice to say that you’ll be thrilled, surprised and applaud Chris in his decision to include it and then they way he makes it tie into what has been established elsewhere well will give you a new appreciation for his talents as a writer.

Matthew continues to grow as an artist, and he was already damn good to begin with.  Seeing what he can do to guide the team to bringing his creations to life is amazing.  The ferocity and terror of some of these creatures we encounter are brilliantly portrayed and getting a chance to really use his imagination to expand our own makes him a force to be reckoned with within the industry.

Action/Adventure stories infused with fantastic/horrific creatures can’t possibly exist make this alternative history story more fun than you could ever imagine on your own.

The Tithe #5
Top Cow/Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Matt Hawkins
Created & Layouts by Rahsan Ekedal
Illustrated by Phillip Sevy
Coloured by Jeremy Colwell


    It’s time for the second story arc to begin and while part of me was hoping that we’d continue to see the ramifications of mega churches and the attacks on them.  Sure Samantha was the antagonist and was doing all that and she turned herself in but I was enjoying watching those churches proverbially get what’s coming to them.  Still Matt is concentrating on the religious angle quite nicely moving forward.  I like and respect that Matt isn’t being preachy, presenting more than one side of the matter from different angles.  This is respectful to the reader and the subject matter and that’s one reason it’s as enjoyable as it is.  

    This is one of the most dramatic and completely relevant openings in comics today.  Not only could it be ripped right off today’s headlines but it touches base with one of today’s greatest fears, homegrown terrorist attack.  It all starts off innocently enough as these situations often do as the Markins family visits New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  Orphaned child of a third world country brought to the U.S. and adopted into the family turns tragic.  

Seriously one hell of an impressive start.  Visually as well as story wise the whole Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church is impressively displayed.  Phillip and Jeremy’s work throughout the entire issue are amazing well done.  The drama, emotion and feelings we get from each character help complete the story Matt’s telling.  Which together really go a long way in getting the reader to really see things from an aspect they wouldn’t expect.

That the team is covering an attack on a church continues the religious overtones that started this series off so amazingly.  That so many different religions can’t seem to coexist peacefully is both common and mystifying to me.  Why each thinks there’s is the only one that matters and is better than the rest isn’t something that can be easily understood but I applaud the way Matt has been able to showcase these various viewpoints while keeping the central characters points of view more ambiguous.  Keeping their personal feelings about religion "out of it" while working is the struggle and seeing this the way they do makes me feel less alone.

I love the way these characters interact with one another.  Matt manages to keep their relationships moving forward while keeping everything extremely familiar.  I kind of miss Rahsan’s version of the boys but Phillip’s little touches are pretty good, like the bow tie.  Still the way the guys interact with one another keeps things on familiar ground.  Though the advice that Dwayne gives about leaving Samantha alone till she’s off probation or she could end up in jail and him outta work has that part of the story moving a lot faster than I’d anticipated.  Regardless that they are that comfortable with each other is part I really appreciate.

I like the way we’ve got a ton of things happening here and much of it misdirection.  Smoke, mirrors and lies meant to keep things a certain way and the blame squarely placed where it doesn’t belong makes this a more intense read.  Organized religion really is one of the greatest scams in history, with the Catholic Church having been born on greed, misogyny and murder and if you think i’m mistaken take a good look at it’s history, among the greatest.  People use god and his influence in different ways as we see throughout this issue.  The big surprise here however is how far people will go in it’s name.

Stunning in it’s scope and it’s brutally honest look this series takes the action adventure genre to a whole new place.  

Wolf #3
Image Comics 2015
Written by Ales Kot
Illustrated by Matt Taylor
Coloured by Lee Loughridge


    Antoine Wolfe, a hardboiled paranormal detective with a death wish, has to cope with sudden responsibility for an orphaned teenage girl who might be the key to the impending apocalypse, California-style.

    There are plenty of supernatural offerings on stands today so it’s what a writer does that makes their own take unique and stand out in the crowd.  Ales is not your typical writer there’s more layers to his work and you should really pay attention to what you’re reading.  It’s one of the reasons I enjoy reading his work.  I also have to say Matt and Lee are killing it here with the interiors, the first page with those massive bookshelves are to die for!

    I loved this opening sequence I mean this conversation Wolfe is having with Freddy’s landlord this eccentric, putting it nicely, vampire.  The history these two share is interesting something for the back burner to be explored at later date.  Though bringing up the Santa Ana Winds and what comes with it is more ominous.  This world really does have some very old gods, legends, demons and things that go bump in the night.  Regardless if they slumber or aren’t taking a direct role in the things the younger ones do it’s still a looming threat.  This adds a certain amount of tension to the story that should paid attention to.

    The conversation they have seems to go in these weird waves of memories, ties and what Wolfe has come for all flowing like some winding river that uses creeks before getting back to the main flow.  Including the use of the novel that Wolfe brought along in case he had to wait for the meeting.  Personally I love that he brought a book since I always travel with one for the same reasons, you never do know when you’ll have to wait.  Anyway I found it oddly comforting that this ebb and flow of conversation was so abstract at times.  It made reading it all the more interesting with nuggets of things that flesh out the characters more fully.

    Ah Anita’s ghostly grandmother’s conversation with Freddy on the hand was much more straightforward.  Also that Anita’s father is the same man who set Antoine on fire, see issue one, to stalk some ghost lady….. yeah you begin to see the bigger picture here.  Anita didn’t really chose Antoine willy nilly and it’s meant that the two would meet and help each other out.  Though I have to tell you that while this whole three way conversation doesn’t mince words it isn’t any less spellbinding or information revealing than the one Antoine was having.  

    I have to say the way things are unfolding are exciting and fun while being kind of creepy and mysterious.  Yes I can kind of see a pattern, like the beginnings of something but not all that solidly, in play and it’s that thread that makes me want to follow it could just be a red herring.  Ales has created this world, story and way of telling it that how things play out is more important than thinking you know what’s to come.  

    There’s more happening here than meets the eye or being revealed.  What’s the police department’s role going to be in all this?  Does Wolfe know that he’s being played or is it just something he may sense and doesn’t like it but is determined to do this his way?  Fate may be inevitable but somehow it’s how you go along with it on it’s terms or yours that makes the difference in the end and it’ll be interesting to see which route this one takes.

    Smarter, more interesting and by far a heck of a lot more diverse than you’d expect but one of the more entertaining reads for sure.