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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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Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance #1

9/28/2019

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Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Age of Resistance #1
Archaia/Jim Henson Company/Boom Studios 2019
Story by Jeffrey Addiss & Will Matthews
Written by Nicole Andelfinger
Illustrated by Matias Basla
Coloured by Miguel Muerto
Lettered by Jim Campbell


     Return to another world, another time…in the age of wonder. The Skeksis reign over Thra, but there are distant echoes of rebellion in the air. Gelfling and unlikely heroes emerge to champion what is good and just, but their stories started long ago. Epic tales of adventure, magic, and mystery send us back in time to witness the untold histories that forged these protectors of Thra.

     Confession time, I have never seen the film, yes I was twelve when it came out but I never did have an interest I suppose. Over the years I just never thought to actually watch it or read anything that might have been done with it. So here I am with my first experience with the franchise and I am kind of sad about that because this is lovely.

     I really like the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see here feels pretty straightforward but then again looks are often deceiving. I am impressed with how the story is layered and these different avenues which may be explored at some point. The way that we see information released and then the subtle revelations within the story as the come to light are extremely well done. The character development we see is just as strong and well done and it feels as if we're just really scratching the surface on their personalities yet in the same breath you can sense what's within. The pacing picks all this up and weaves them together and apart while also showing the twists and turns that keep us on our toes.

     That the writing we see engages the reader in some truly wonderful ways. I mean the opening here I was sure of what was going to happen, I was wrong of course but still that I am thinking off-script and that I am this engaged and invested shows Nicole's skill and talent as a writer. Not just that but the story feels powerful it feel like it could be one of those epic adventures where life and death happen in those ways that surprise and devastate the characters. What we see is one thing it's what we feel from this that makes the reader want and need to see and know more.

     I like the interior artwork here and since I am not knowledgeable about these species what I see is beautifully done and has this familiar and yet foreign look to them. The linework from Matias is gorgeous work and how the varying weights are being utilised to bring out this beautiful attention to detail makes it even more exciting. That the characters are so expressive and we can see their emotions adds to the characterisation in ways that words alone cannot do. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a marvellous eye for storytelling. I like the composition inside the panels and how we see the backgrounds being able to provide depth perception while enhancing the moments and bringing a size and scope to the book, don't forget that we also see scale as well so what we is really impressive.

     The colour work here is interesting. I think there are some unusual choices in the colours that we see and with some of the hues and tones to create shading make moments really stand out. Without this colour work the Skeksis wouldn't nearly as impressive, intimidating and honesty creepy as all get out. The creativity and imagination here is extraordinary to see.
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     So I love the ebb & flow that the story, plot and character development bring to the story. There is also the fact that some of what we see kind of lulls us into this false sense of security as those spider monster things, the Arathim, make their way to their city. I love the sense of optimism in the face of overwhelming odds and how Ordon is stubborn like a fox and yet fierce as they come. This has everything you want it to have and their weirdness in the visage is how it's supposed to be seen so with this sense of awe and wonder I invite to enter this world with an open mind and heart.

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Transformers Galaxies #1

9/27/2019

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Transformers Galaxies #1
IDW Publishing 2019
Written by Tyler Bleszinski
Illustrated by Livio Ramondelli
Lettered by Tom B. Long


     Cybertron, a planet of vast beauty and extraordinary cities, wasn’t always so perfect. After the War Against the Threefold Spark, Cybertron was decimated, and new bots—the Constructicons—emerged to help rebuild it grander and more amazing than ever before. But where are these bots now? Why have they been erased from Cybertron’s history? And what are they planning to do about it? Find out in “Constructicons Rising,” Part One!

     Full disclosure I am not a Transformers fan, I didn't watch em or like em growing up and now the live action films are okay but hey that's my story with them. So what drew me to this one is that it's a first issue and working with IDW if I didn't like what I saw I could've moved on but one look at the artwork and I had to read the book. Now I am really glad I did too because this surprised me in some really great ways. For someone who doesn't know a lot about the franchise this is a refreshing change of pace for me. Plus if you're like me then you'll find this new reader friendly, easy to follow and appreciate this for the story itself. This is one that I would say step out of your comfort zone pick this up in your hands open it up see what it looks like and tell how it made you feel.

     Tyler does an amazing job telling this story. I think that the story & plot development that we are seeing here is fabulous as he utilises the then and now aspect to show us where they are and where they've been. Not to mention how they got started as a group or team and for me it combines the origin story with a missions story and beautifully sets the tone and mood for what we can expect. The character development that we see is also extremely well done and that we get a sense of who they are as individuals and as a by product of the story how the see themselves and each other. The pacing picks all this up and carries it all forward as it reveals information, shows a few revelations and of course places some nice twists and turns in the process.

     So the interiors here are beyond stunning. The colours feel like they may have been done on the computer but the linework is unlike anything I've seen before in computer artwork. The linework for me is utterly gorgeous and how they are utilised to create this stupendous attention to detail amazes me page after page. The way that we see the composition inside the panels is crazy good and it isn't always easy to show off scale with these folks but Livio manages to pull that off so well. Without the colour work that we see I wonder if we'd feel the same way about this but thankfully we don't have to worry about that. I am utterly gobsmacked by Livio's eye for storytelling as we see through the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels. Plus while backgrounds are hit or miss they still work and do what they are supposed to. I feel as if Livio manages to think of the bigger picture and how the linework and colour will play off one another, there is thought and consideration in what he's doing.
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     The story overall is strong, intelligent and interesting as it explores characters we don't normally see. The little guys who get overlooked or that the general population didn't know existed they are the stars of this book and I want to see more. They aren't just builders, they have personalities and joys and gripes and everything that makes them feel human and relatable to only their robots in disguise, even if they are a life-form and not robots. Full marks on this one people this was amazing to read.

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Butcher Queen #1

9/27/2019

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Butcher Queen #1
Red 5 Comics 2019
Written by Jim Ousley
Illustrated by Ben Sawyer

     
In Black Star City, alien outworlders are being systematically attacked and removed from society by a clandestine paramilitary group call the Overseers. When fugitive cop-turned-mercenary Syd Kiowa is contacted by a victim who escaped their grip, she is thrust into a horrifying war of secrets that will determine the future of human and alien relations on Earth forever.

     The more books I read from Red 5 the more I am impressed I become. This a great first issue introduction to a series with a strong premise and some extremely good writing and interior artwork. The fact that it's different from other books that might, notice I said might, fit into a similar field in the genre. Who knows what the future will look like but the idea that species from outer space come to Earth seeking refuge is a nice touch. Thank god the current world leaders are around or they'd all be dead or strapped to a table somewhere. Regardless I like the idea and then of course there are those who when the fear what they don't know or understand attack them instead and be cruel in ways that decent folk find hard to understand.

     I really like the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see here through the release of information and how we are introduced to the characters is very well done. The character development is interesting and I like how during the opening and then meeting Syd and the realisation of the two was definitely unexpected and that moment for me just upped the interest factor. The way we see the two with and against each other is sensation to see. When you add the spacing to this so that we get to see the twists and turns which are subtle and I like because if you don't read carefully enough you'll miss the good bits.

     What I am really enjoying about what Jim is doing here with his writing and how we have been introduced to the characters. While I may not have found one that I am rooting for in any manner I am awfully intrigued by a few of those we see. Rags for one and if Syd built her or not. The other is the one in either that mask or is a robot with hair, he—totally guessing on that—has power and seems to be some kind of leader and the ambiguous air surrounding him is so well done that it does indeed raise the intrigue factor.

     The interiors here are really interesting. Ben's imagination gets a chance to really soar here. We get to see some truly unique alien species and with the strength of the linework and how the varying weights are utilised to create the attention to detail really brings them to life beautifully. Also the way that we see backgrounds here is phenomenal! They are prolific and work to enhance to moments as well as bring a size and scope to the story is sensational. I mean there are some very stand out wow moments throughout for sure! The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective that we see in tje panels show a really strong eye for storytelling. The colour work is well done as we see some interesting colour choices in the aliens alone. Also the way that we see light sources utilised to create shading is beautiful to see. I am loving the interiors here and how they make the story really come alive.
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     This issue works on intrigue, not only within the story itself but in the fact that we don't really know the characters yet. We only have a surface glance at them but that's enough to get us to want to see what lays underneath. I'm telling you if your store isn't carrying this you need to have them correct that stat!  ​

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Scratcher #1

9/27/2019

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Scratcher #1
Antarctic Press 2019
Created & Written by John Ward
Created & Illustrated by Juan Romera
Lettered by Eric Grissom


     Vegas tattoo artist Dee discovers her clients are becoming possessed by the tattoos she gave them. Her life is thrown into turmoil when she realises her best friend Sarah has turned into a monstrous killer, seemingly controlled by her new tattoo. A guilty Dee sets out to save Sarah, but soon finds herself out of her depth as she faces off against forces she can barely comprehend.

     Wow I saw that this was coming out from Antarctic Press and I wondered if it was the same book I had reviewed back in 2017. Spoiler Alert! It is. I am happy about this too actually because I thought it was an interesting concept and had a lot of potential to it. So I was anxious to see if anything had been changed at all, tweaked if you will based on pass reviews that were done. Now either I am more seasoned and know what to expect having previously read it or the writing has been redone. Either way I found myself liking this one a lot more than I had anticipated which is saying a lot considering I liked it before.

     The way that this is being told is really rather well done. The story & plot development that we see and how the information is released throughout the book is nicely done. The character development has a nice way of introducing us to Dee and setting a baseline for her personality and allows us to see how it will grow and change through her experiences. The two do manage to work off each other quite well and while there really aren't any twists and turns to the story beyond the premise and I am actually okay with that, though I wouldn't being surprised now and then by the turn of events. The pacing picks all this and moves through the book with a pretty natural feel to it as if we are experiencing these events alongside Dee.

     One of the things that I really thought was nicely done is that we don't see the carnage at Floyd's shop. The aftermath of the attack sure but what that does is allow the reader to visualise it on their own thus engaging them and bringing them further into the story. Hitchcock famously did this and he was among the master storytellers of our time.

     I love Juan's work always have and this series benefits from the black and white style we see. While it is notorious for showing off any and all flaws for me there really aren't any here. The linework we see and how it's varying weights are being utilised to bring out this attention to detail is such a treat. The way we see the composition inside the panels shows off this spectacular eye for storytelling because the angles that are utilised and the way page layouts are done. The depth perception and sense of scale that we see keeps the story grounded. Plus the backgrounds and how they enhance the moments and bring that size and scope to the book is sensational.
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     I feel like this mixes the sensibilities of Romero, Tarantino and Hitchcock. It has that theme of mindless killing, a weird far out concept and allows the reader to see the way people die in their own minds. I said at the time this is worthy of your attention and I am excited to see these creator to grow and blossom and I am thrilled that Antarctic Press picked this up. You will enjoy this, it has a brand new way of telling horror, it's innovative and interesting and just incredibly well done.

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Safe Sex #1

9/26/2019

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Safe Sex #1
Image Comics 2019
Created & Written by Tina Horn
Illustrated by Michael Dowling
Lettered by Steve Wands


     This series is rated Adults Only
     DISCLAIMER: graphic sexuality
     SFSX, a social thriller about sex, love, and torture that reads like SEX CRIMINALS in Gilead crossed with Oceans 8—with a SUNSTONE twist! In a draconian America where sexuality is bureaucratized and policed, a group of queer sex workers keep the magic alive in an underground club called the Dirty Mind. Using their unique bondage skills, they resolve to infiltrate the mysterious government Pleasure Centre, free their friends, and fight the power!

     Okay this intrigues me in ways that I wasn't expecting and that alone, for me, is worth the price of admission. What Tina manages to do here is take the far right and show a possible future if they were to have complete control over the United States. Their policies and their beliefs forced upon a nation and if you deviate from their norm then you are arrested and taken away. We don't get into what happens with or to them yet but suffice it to say that what does happen is that Tina gets us all involved and engaged in ways that make the reader go off-script. Sometimes the scariest scenarios are the ones we come up with on our own and if they are what's intended or not is of no consequence.

    I am not only impressed with how this is being told but I am thoroughly enjoying it come to life before my eyes. The opening here is perfectly done and it really does have an impact and not just because it's a warehouse orgy. There is a reason we are seeing this, it's not gratuitous in the slightest and I think that makes a huge difference. This isn't meant to shock anyone it's meant to make a statement, the point of the exclamation. Though I will be perfectly honest why we see Avory's boyfriend in a t-shirt and underwear perplexes me to no avail. That's neither here nor though because the open does precisely what it's supposed to do and it does extremely well in drawing the reader in and making us want to see and know more.

     The story & plot development and how it works with the character development which is picked up by the pacing is able to reveal information, expose problems and bring a few interesting twists and turns. The groundwork that is being laid here can go a number of ways and that alone is exciting to me as is being hooked into this because of how my mind is engaged in the story, which should unique to everyone who reads it.

     Michael's work on the interiors is nice to see. I appreciate the fact he's not afraid to draw a penis now let's see more of that and fully erect ha! When they are in bed why is his lower half under a sheet? It doesn't look right or natural but it's still a good image. I really do like the linework here and how we see the varying weights utilised to create the attention to detail. I have to admit that the way we see the backgrounds being utilised is great and how they enhance the moments, bring this size and scope to the book and a sense of scale and depth perception. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a sensational eye for storytelling. The colour work here is interesting to me. I get what we see and to be honest I wonder how many actually do.

     There are a couple of different things that I see within in these pages and it's all in the writing and how Tina has managed to layer the book. While I am not surprised that the group wanting to stand up for themselves is hiding and trying to stay off the radar but where are the rational people who don't want to live like this? I almost feel like there should be an underground railroad for people wanting to get away from these nutjobs.
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     That we are getting books that are being told without shame without excuses and as a normal way of life is long overdue. Hollywood may feel the need to regurgitate old ideas but the originality we see in comics makes it a wonderful time to be a fan!

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Strikeforce #1

9/26/2019

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Strikeforce #1
Marvel Comics 2019
Written by Tini Howard
Illustrated by Germán Peralta
Coloured by Jordie Bellaire
Lettered & Designed by VC's Joe Sabino


     A new threat is secretly taking over the planet -- and the more people who know about it, the more powerful the threat becomes. Blade dealt with this threat once before, and hoped to never have to again. He can’t bring the Avengers in on this -- not just for their own safety, but for the safety of everyone on Earth. So he must recruit a team of heroes accustomed to darkness -- a strikeforce. Blade, Angela, Spider-Woman, Wiccan, the Winter Soldier, Monica Rambeau and Daimon Hellstrom join forces to fight the fights that no other Marvel team can take on!

     So when I saw the cover for this I knew I wanted to read it. For me it reminds of the old Secret Defenders, no not the original the 1993-95 version that was edgier and had that rotating cast of lesser known characters, that's the immediate vibe I got. There's something about the cast of the book that I look at first and then who's writing and illustrating it. This determines if I want to pick it up this time around it was the cover, then I noticed the creators and I was completely on board. So this one was exactly spelled out for me when I picked it up and I kind of like that a whole lot. So Monica, Hellstrom, Wiccan and Jessica are the reason I picked this up, Angela is meh I am still not sure I like how she's been incorporated and Bucky well I think he belongs in the Invaders. Blade is the wild-card and I cannot wait to see what Tini has in store for him.

     I love the way that this is being told. The first page for me is the opening and what follows that's just the story moving forward. The first page is everything for me, the mystery behind what we're seeing as the words and the hands don't quite make sense. This is what draws the reader in and it's what makes you want to see more. The only thing that could've made this better is if it were a splash page with the hands and the toasting that's it. Otherwise this freakin brilliant.

     The story & plot development that we see here with how the information is revealed and the revelations come to light are expertly done. The character development is great because while we know the characters what we're seeing here is that, along with Tini's exploration of them, their personalities and how they are interacting with one another let's them continue to grow and evolve. Throw in the pacing which picks up everything and keeps moving it forward so that it can bring those curve-balls in the form of twists and turns which keep us on the edge of our seats. Incredibly strong writing and I have come to expect no less from Tini.

     The interiors here are utterly marvellous. I think the only problem I had was seeing Ghost Rider, not only as an Avenger but just in general as he looked too funky. That being said the way we see the linework and how the varying weights are being utilised to create the attention to detail is extremely nice to see. While it's a very comic book style art it doesn't bother me I actually prefer this for this book. That Germán utilises backgrounds the way he does it makes me so happy and to see them expand the moments and bring a nice size and scope to the book not to mention some nice depth perception is great to see. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a strong eye for storytelling. The colour work is amazing. When we get halfway through the book we really get to see Jordie shine (bright like a diamond) because the jungle, the temple, the rain good grief. The colour choices and to see the hues and tones in them create this kind of shading is bloody brilliant work.
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     I loved this, so hopefully this time that's not the kiss of death for the book. This is not your mainstream style book, it's got a depth to it that's unexpected and it encompasses much more than you realise. This is engaging, intelligent and just amazingly well done from top to bottom, side to side.  

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Grimm Tales of Terror Presents: The Bridgewater Triangle #1

9/26/2019

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Grimm Tales of Terror Presents:
The Bridgewater Triangle #1
Zenescope Entertainment 2019
Written by Brian Studler
Illustrated by Deivis Goetten
Coloured by Maxflan Araujo
Lettered by Fabio Amelia


     Part 1 of 3
     Massachusetts locals know that the Bridgewater Triangle is the site of many paranormal occurrences. It is said to be filled with giant snakes, sightings of UFOs, evil and vengeful creatures, even ghostly hauntings. As six college freshmen are soon to find out, some of the legends contained within the borders are anything but…and making it out of the triangle proves to be more difficult than finding your way in.

     Well I gotta say this is off to a sensational start. I do hope that the kids we meet here are going to remain throughout the story until any or at least one is left. If each issue is a one and done then I will say that I am disappointed because the way that this one ends suggests that they are still there, alive and well. I will also say that this is the kind of horror while familiar is taken to the extreme within the realm of the Zenescope Universe. Using Keres in such a limited manner was somewhat disappointing to me as if she's going to be the “hostess” she needs to play a larger role but on the other hand that she was just the waitress engaging in conversation was okay. They could've done that on their own but she laid her own twist down so that was cool.

     I do like the way that this story is being told. The story & plot development here is fantastic and there is a great natural flow to release of information and introducing us to the concept of the book. This is where the creepy excitement begins to form and it's beautifully done as it introduces any number of possible cryptid creepy's to show up. The character development is just as strong and as we meet these kids we see just how they fit into this their personalities emerge through their interaction with each other and the dialogue we see. The pacing picks all this up and moves the story deceivingly forward. It also is where we see how the twists and turns come into play so that Brian is constantly keep the reader on their toes and draws them in and engages their minds. To go off-script and try to use what you know and insert that into the story is a hell of a gift to have and to be able to so effectively utilised.

     The interior artwork here is bloody marvellous. That first page is glorious and it's high time someone brought back the splash page as the opening! The linework is gorgeous and how the varying weights are utilised to create this attention to detail that we see is utterly brilliant. To see this like we do and how it is able to set the mood and tone here is priceless and a lot of this credit should go to Maxflan because the base colour and then the hues and tones within it are utilised to create these amazing shading effects. This is as close to a swamp in a comic that actually feels alive and a place to visit. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this amazing eye for storytelling. I need to commend you both as well for the utilisation of backgrounds in this book, how they enhance the moments, bring a size and scope to the book as well as bring a nice depth perception and scale. The interiors are some of the best around.
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     While I do not believe in coincidences I do like how they seem to appear here. Where Jeff and Terry find themselves for instance seems convenient but, but I have a feeling that it appeared because of the whole mystery of the Triangle is the real cause. Meant for them to encounter and experience in all it's trope glory. It's beautifully done and I loved every turn of the page here. This is just fun, well fun in the sense of horror geek enjoying the hell out of it fun. Zenescope seems to keep impressing me with all these smart, intelligent and adult storytelling that they've been bringing to the table.

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Quarter Killer #1

9/25/2019

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Quarter Killer #1
ComiXology Originals 2019
Written by Vita Ayala & Danny Lore
Illustrated by Jamie Jones
Lettered & Designed by Ryan Ferrier


     THE MYTH, THE LEGEND
     Aya follows rumors of the famous Quarter Killer to the Rogue's Gallery Arcade, where she begs them to help rescue her father - a company hacker himself - from men who are forcing him to do crime.  Usually a job like this would cost at least 9 quarters, but something about The Girl makes QK takes the case pro bono. A locate and extract case.

     So every Wednesday this month ComiXology has released and a brand new Original series. This is the fourth of those and all I have to say is hot diggity. All of them have been amazing in their separate ways and with such talent behind them it isn't surprising that I am enjoying this much. I have advocated for you to check em out and even if you aren't a fan of the digital platform and prefer physical copies, I am one of those people by the way, you won't be able read this any other way. I say try it and see it is worth it to read these ComiXology Original books they rival anything you'll find on shelves today.

     I am thoroughly enjoying the way that this is being told. The story & plot development here is sensational as the information that is revealed just seems to wet the appetite for more. The character development is marvellous and honestly if we are going to get to see more of Aya and she gets to keep interacting with these folks then I'm even further into this than I already am. While the ending here may say one thing what we see throughout says another and honestly she and Lo Tek yeah these two belong working together their dialogue and interactions are just so perfect.

     Also when we factor in the pacing as it picks up everything and moves it ever forward and brings us to the twists and turns that always seem to complicate matters while simultaneously making them interesting as all get out. I think the fact that we aren't all that sure of what year it is or what's really going around here and why certain items seem to be obsolete and I think this another contributing factor when it comes to piquing the curiosity of readers' like myself. We see the blanks and have this innate desire to fill them in and when what we see doesn't do that our minds wander and we become engaged in completely new ways.

     The interiors here aren't what I was expecting in the least. This isn't normally the type of work I gravitate towards but there is this undeniable charm to it that cannot be denied. The characters all have very great distinct looks and body types that not only show a marvellous imagination and creativity but also begs the question how far advanced is this tech? The linework is nice and while there isn't a whole lot of variation in the weights what we do see is great. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a splendid eye for storytelling. The colour work is blowing me away! Not only do we see the various hues and tones which do a superb job in creating shading and shadows. But the trim in Quarter Killers outfit with the reds and golds and even purple in the shadows without visible linework is a complete wow factor.
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     They really do a great job with this book. I am so completely enamoured with the story and our introduction to the characters and the world they inhabit. There is a great vibe to what we see and what we don't see leaves us wondering and wanting more. It doesn't take long to become invested and completely engaged in what is happening here. My advice pull the trigger and give these a read you won't be sorry you did.

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The Plot #1

9/25/2019

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The Plot #1
Vault Comics 2019
Written by Tim Daniel & Michael Moreci
Illustrated by Joshua Hixson
Lettered by Jim Campbell


     When Chase Blaine's estranged brother and sister-in-law are murdered, he becomes guardian to McKenzie and Zach, the niece and nephew he hardly knows. Seeking stability for the children, Chase moves his newly formed family to his ancestral home in Cape Augusta—which overlooks a deep, black bogland teeming with family secrets.

     So I am a huge horror fan and this is the start of something that can incredibly good, scary and downright terrifying. While it may have all the physical stuff, the foreboding family house and estate, the estranged relatives and a family history that isn't what you'd consider healthy. Over the years I have learned all that doesn't mean squat if you don't know what to do with them. Tim and Michael are more than qualified in knowing what to do with them and for a first issue the boys manage to put just enough into this that we see the pieces but can't get the puzzle any clearer.

     I like the way that this story is being told. The story & plot development with how we see the information released as well as the way it weaves through these twists and turns while navigating the character development to bring us all the right feelings. I really do like the opening here as well as the narration and visuals may not entirely match up but it still resonates against all odds, no not really against all odds but it fits even though we get that impression it isn't the character featured who is speaking.

     I have to give credit where it's due because when we see the narrator and learn more of the story it really kind of showcases this family, their history and foreshadows things beautifully. There is something about the way that we see the ebb & flow here that really kinds lulls the reader and as you look, read and understand what's being said, then going off-script to imagine in your own head what is going to happen (p.s. You wont be close to correct). All of these things interest you, engage you and without realising it your invested in the story. There is so much here to absorb and how the two aspects mirror each in a sense just increases this curiosity factor to a point off the charts.

     I am a Joshua fan, not the tree either. I think the two different vibes he brings to us in the dual parts of the first part of the book has this yin and yang feeling to it. Polar opposites, light and dark it just is so well thought out and executed and right down the way we see the attention to detail. Then we get to see that house overlooking the beach, I mean I don't know if he's seen one like this or if he gets to create something he'd like to live in but it's beautiful. The linework and how we see the varying weights being utilised here is brilliantly done. So is the creativity and imagination I mean wow. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a superb eye for storytelling. The colour is great and how we see colours and their hues and tones being utilised to create the shading is great. The dark ominous feelings that Joshua creates suits this story perfectly.

     This is spot on introduction to the series. It delivers an introduction the family, who's in it and how far back it goes while only hinting at the troubles within. One more thing, the slogan that father has passed down to son since forever is one you will not forget. This is going to get under your skin and it's going haunt you for a while after putting it down.
​

     Vault Comics just has the Midas touch and now with the Macabre added to their repertoire their line it looks like there's not stopping them. ​

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Margo Intergalactic Trash Collector #1

9/25/2019

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Picture
Margo Intergalactic Trash Collector #1
FantaCo Enterprises Inc. 2019
By Jim Whiting
Lettering, Layout & Production by Whiting Studio


     When the ultimate weapon falls into the wrong hands, the only thing standing between it and universal annihilation is an alien trader and an Intergalactic Trash Collector with attitude! When not bickering with her mother, Margo runs trash for the IWM Corp. Utterly overqualified and severely underpaid, Margo may be the last hope for the universe.

     So I saw this in Previews and I just had to check it out, I mean just on the title alone. Boy did this live up to my expectations and then some. Honestly since I have been reviewing comics my mind has expanded and what I find myself attracted to has grown, or at least my appreciation for what is outside my normal reading anyway. Jim has put together a quirky book with some tongue-in-cheek writing, dialogue and situations and has made something steps above traditional U.S. mindless humour and a few steps below British humour and it works on so many levels for me.

     So I like the way that this is being told. The story & plot development here are great and as we see the story unfold and get a grasp on what's really happening and Margo's role in all this it continually takes different shapes and forms. The character development we see is sensational as we get this great look at Margo, her personality and the things that well shall we say motivate her. With the release of information, how we see the revelations and with all the twists and turns that we encounter within the pacing here creates a beautiful ebb & flow to the book.

     The opening here is great, it grabs the readers' attention and makes them want to keep reading which is precisely what it's supposed to do. I am not going to lie that first image of Margo's ship reminds me of Space 1999 and I think I didn't need much more after that to love this book. Also the writing, okay well dialogue, that comes with with it made me laugh out loud. I couldn't stop chuckling and giggling because we all know what this is like and that it's instantly relatable to and we like her before we even see her is just that little added bonus.

     The interiors here are very indie in how we see them, though to be honest it's like Giffen's current look only less messy. So it's fun and it fits the story and Jim gets away with it here, while simple and a little wonky at times it still has some of that attention to detail in what we see and the in the backgrounds that we always know where she is and what is going on. Actually I love the backgrounds that we see and how they are utilised to enhance the moments and bring this size and scope to the book. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a really good, strong eye for storytelling. The colour work is nicely done as well. There are times when the colour is packed in solid and then the highlights and light sources we see utilise different hues and tones in the colour for the shading.
​

     The way that Jim is telling this story really is great. If you are a fan of SyFy network and shows like Killjoys or Dark Matter then you are going to absolutely enjoy this series. I mean a woman who hates her job, that her mother got her, a boss who wants her to be disposable and the off-chance encounter leading her to be in possession of the one thing everyone wants. Well lady with an attitude a fella who's in the mood, a nagging mother and A.I. In a ship that well you'll have to read this to see and understand. But do read this it's a hell of a fun read and it's one that will surprise even the stodgiest among you.

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