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READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

Scooby-Doo Team-Up #19

10/31/2016

Scooby-Doo Team-Up #19
DC Comics 2013
Written by Sholly Fisch
Illustrated by Dario Brizuela
Coloured by Franco Riesco
Lettered by Saida Temofonte

   I know this is pretty much targeted to kids but we’re all kids at heart and there is so much in these team-ups that appeal to longtime comics readers. This time around the gang gets to meet Zatanna and become a part of her stage show!   Backstage after the kids are introduced to Mystic Mansion’s owner Mel Magnus the kids discover the real reason she wanted them here. Turns out her father is missing and she needs their help finding him. See the Justice League is off in another Galaxy right now and I gotta say the reason she called them well yeah they have a reputation in the superhero circles.

   So the story gets underway for the search for Zatara by visiting those in the magical community. It’s a veritable who’s who of magic users set and for some of us seeing characters like Sargon, Ibis the Invincible, Baron Winters not to mention all the usual suspects is a dream come true. I mean this is the reason we love reading this series Sholly doesn’t shy away from the obscure characters in the slightest. Best part of that montage was the reference to a certain British guy in a rumpled trenchcoat!

   As if all these guest appearances weren’t enough the way Dario and Franco deliver them like it’s all a part of the cartoon movie series is utterly delightful. I mean yeah i’m totally on board with the look, tone and feel here and it makes me wish that DC would take these issues and make an actual cartoon out of them. I mean c’mon there’s no reason kids and adults wouldn’t eat this up on tv. Seriously the way this book flows is perfectly done and the use of angles and perspective are well done.

   There’s another mystery to be learned along the way as Zatanna takes them on the magical mystery tour. If you can follow the clues that are learned along the way you can follow Velma’s train of thought that leads them to Zatara, the person who captured him as well as the one responsible for well read the story and find out. I will say this much there’s a moment in this story where Scooby ends up wearing Dr. Fate’s Helmet and I so wish we’d seen Nabu use him to do a little magic of his own!

   An absolutely delightful romp through the magical DC universe full of guest stars, surprise appearances and situations that will thrill the child in all of us. This is a perfect example of why the Scooby Movies and the Scooby Franchise have flourished since before I was born and that we get some of the best superhero costars around just makes this an unforgettable experience. Plus how could you not love when someone like Zatanna calls upon the gang to help her solve a mystery?

   All-Ages greatness and a perfect all around 5 out of 5 stars from me!

Beauty #11

10/31/2016

Beauty #11
Image Comics 2015
Written by Jeremy Haun & Jason A. Hurley
Illustrated by Stephen Green
Coloured by John Rauch
Lettered & Designed by Fonografiks

   Well here we are with the end of the second arc and wow. If Jeremy isn’t going to be doing the interiors my vote is for Stephen to keep doing them this is the best they’ve looked this entire arc! Well when we left off Vincent’s people killed Lucca and Parks and Ezerea looked like she was going to be as well when she attacked the attackers. We open this issue and see just what happened between then and now.

   Timo came and found Ezerea and brought her to a hospital. Turns out Timo found himself a bit of Beauty as well and well yeah he’s as handsome as any classic movie star should be. Ezerea is a wanted woman and Vincent’s men found her so it’s time for Timo to take on the move to a safe hideout where she can fully recover. It turns out the sideeffects of Beauty is that you heal faster and since Timo got to her in time she was able to get better a lot faster than a normal person.

   All Ezerea wanted was to love Lucca and have a life with him and it looked like that was finally going to happen. Till Vincent sent out a hit team to take out him, Parks and her. Now with Timo by her side the name of the game is revenge and trust there’s nothing quite like a woman scorned.

   I love the work Stephen’s doing on the interiors here. Ezerea looks gorgeous and thanks to the Beauty you’d never have known she was a man at one point. She and Timo make a handsome couple, who knows what the possibilities there are now, and while they may not be blowing up like we saw folks do in the first arc it’s clear what some of the benefits are. I like the page layouts here with the use of angles, perspective and backgrounds they all work together nicely to create the bigger picture. You get that sense of where they are at all times and it makes the scenes so much fuller to see the backgrounds used this way.

   I like that this issue concludes the arc while simultaneously leaves things open for further tales. It’s like everything we’ve seen so far is just a precursor for what’s to come for these characters. Though should they meet our intrepid cops and both sides of the same coin finally come together i’m not gonna be mad. In the meantime I’ve come to really like Ezerea and the kind of woman she is. The boys have really done this great job on making her seem so real with a many layered personality.

   I have no idea who we’ll meet with the third arc of the series but if the boys keep writing like this we’re going to have way too many characters we want to continually see more of. While this is a whole different point of view on Beauty and the effect it has on their lives it will be nice to see some of the science and conspiracy theory around it again so here’s hoping. Regardless Beauty is a creature all it’s own and wherever it goes i’m gonna follow that’s for sure.

Street Fighter Unlimited #11

10/31/2016

Street Fighter Unlimited #11
Udon Entertainment 2015
Written by Ken Siu-Chong
Illustrated by Joe NG
Coloured by Espen Grundetjern
Flats by Ludwig Olimba
Lettered by Marshall Dillon

   It's one VS all, as Gill battles the combined might of over 30 World Warriors! But can even this army of mortal martial artists stop a rampaging god? The Hadokens, Sonic Booms, and Kikokens run wild in the penultimate chapter of the Secret Society Saga!

   Will Gill’s vision of a new world order come to pass or will those assembled before him, friends and enemies alike, unite to stand up and stop the would be god? Last issue Ryu was encased in an ice trap by Gill after not being able to harness the power within him letting the darkness take over and be defeated. With him out of things what hope do the rest have at subduing the man who refuses to die?

   First Ken brought us Gill’s tournament which was duplicitous as it was designed to help Gill find those who make up his trusted lieutenants. All this backfired when those assembled realised the extent of his plans for no one here is willing to be used by another as a lackey. The good guys well they are bent on stopping Gill out of duty but it’s those that skirt the laws or are out for themselves that show us that sometimes even bad guys can be heroes. Granted they aren’t going to be beholden to anyone and their choices are their own free will after all is what makes the world go round.

   It amazes me that Ken can write these stories where it’s like one fight after another culminating in the biggest free-for-all you can imagine while still managing to bring us great characterisation and a solid plot based story. I shouldn’t be surprised but I am, after all we all know the franchise is known for its battles but the story behind it is what impresses me more.   Gill’s desire to rule unencumbered and remake the world in his image using those who swear fealty to him well that’s kind of brilliant after we’ve seen him emerge as this godlike figure around the world on television. There’s backstory and a plot it’s not just some trite attempt at showcasing the characters in battle after battle.

   Ryu’s inner struggle with the power he wields has been ongoing since issue one and it’s nice to see that it plays such an important role in this story. When he found the one to train him and he was sent here to learn the final lesson I’ll admit I thought he would indeed fail and the story would take a decidedly different turn and the emergence of a new villain would arise.   Nice to be proven that I shouldn’t assume anything other than evil shall never prevail.

   With this arc coming to a close here I like the way future arcs are developed within it. With Gill, with Ryu and even among the contestants themselves there are many avenues to still explore. Ones where characterisation over action is the main feature, not to say there won’t be action it’s the nature of the beast after all. Still i’m liking that there’s this depth to the series and that it takes the next logical step of character development. There will always be cause to fight in this world riddled with conflict it’s what they are fighting for that matters more however and Ken is proving that he understands that all too well.

   With some great detail in the interiors here we get to see the human body in it’s most perfect form. With more and more time spent in the gym what once looked exaggerated now seems like an everyday person and that is something worth noting. With excellent use of page layouts using angles, perspective and filling the panels with characters and action it really takes on this larger than life feeling.

   With solid characterisation a strong plot and wonderful interiors this run is making a statement that you don’t know the franchise as well as you thought you did.

Jughead #10

10/31/2016

Jughead #10
Archie Comics 2015
Written by Ryan North
Illustrated by Derek Charm
Lettered by Jack Morelli

   Jughead has made a huge mistake. He’s done something unthinkable and there’s
no way he’s going to get out of it now. But first: some backstory. Jughead Jones was born Forsythe Pendleton Jones III to father Forsythe Pendleton Jones II and mother Gladys Jones in the year—oh wait, not that far back? Ok, let me try this again: Forsythe became known as “Jughead” when he—still too far? Jughead began wearing a shirt with an “S” on it because… too far again? Did you know about when he was a time-travelling officer of the law and a pirate and a superhero and he totally schooled a military-obsessed principal who almost ran Pop’s Chocklit Shoppe out of Riverdale? You do? Well then, what’s left to tell? Oh yeah, Pop’s is back where it rightfully belongs with a new mascot—a burger lady! And now Jughead’s on a date with said burger lady… only now the burger part’s gone and she’s just a lady! And her name is Sabrina! What’s a Jughead to do??

   I love this Jughead series! We’ve seen his personality emerge from slacker to thinker and doer, in his own unusual style. This time around Jugs is heading out on a date with Sabrina and he’s more nervous than he’s ever been in his life. I like this we’ve seen Jughead as this more asexual being one who likes burgers more than anything else. On the surface Sabrina the new girl in town has an equal love of food and finds Jugs fascination with it cute. So what could go wrong?

   Ryan captures Jughead’s awkwardness and inability to know what to do on a date beautifully. Calling on Kevin for advice and freaking out it’s nice to see there are times when Jughead is so out of his element he doesn’t know what to do. Also I have to say that when Sabrina nails how Jughead is feeling and tells him to talk about food that she finds that cute and to just relax and be himself she is both helping him and setting herself up for something she isn’t prepared for.

   Jughead woefully unaware on how to date sees her attempts and while extremely nervous sets off a chain of events that are like a comedy of errors resulting in Sabrina getting angry and ready to “show him.”   The writing and character development is superb and it’s great to see some of those old high school hijinx in action. Once again Ryan explores parts of Jughead’s personality that we don’t really see. We see it when he’s in class and knows the answers and how every time she puts a spell on him it backfires on her.   He really has more going on in that brain of his that we don’t often get a chance to see. He’s literally a walking contradiction who is super smart but wants to skate by unseen and left to his own devices.

   Derek’s last name says it all, Charm. There’s a real charm in the work he brings to this story. From the shock of Kevin to the awkwardness of Jughead to the frustration of Sabrina he manages to showcase all these emotions and more. His use of page layouts with angles, perspective and backgrounds control the flow of the story beautifully.   I personally like this cartoon style artwork that reminds me of old Archie Cartoons.

   While this is an exemplary look at who Jughead is it’s also just pure fun. There’s a great deal of incredible characterisation going on and a little gem of something to learn but overall it’s a look at Jughead like we’ve never seen before and it’s why he’s always been such a fan favourite character since he was first introduced.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #8

10/31/2016

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #8
Boom! Studios 2016
Written by Kyle Higgins
Illustrated by Hendry Prasetya
Coloured by Matt Herms
Lettered by Ed Dukeshire

   The world is on lockdown. The Dinozords, now under the Black Dragon’s control, are stationed around the globe invoking Rita’s word as law. With the Rangers left powerless, Rita calls upon Tommy to make the ultimate sacrifice or risk Angel Grove’s survival.

   Golly gosh darnit I really am enjoying this series. I never thought I’d end up a Power Rangers fan but what Kyle and Hendry are doing with this series is pretty amazing. The writing and the way the story unfolds in an almost epic fashion, the characterisation and the way they depict these teenagers learning a few life lessons and growing up is fantastic. Gone for me is what I perceive as the cheesy factor and it’s replaced by this traditional superhero team book that can hold it’s own with any featuring teenagers that has been done.

   I like the opening with Bulk and Skull giving their viewership the update on what’s happening around the world with Rita’s forces. It’s a clever way to keep them in the story while keeping the reader informed of how her plans are going.

   Then of course we’re off to the Moon where Tommy is fighting the Black Dragon, who happens to be thirty feet tall, while Jason is trying to help him get to the base to bust Billy out of limbo. We’re starting to see the turnaround in regards to Tommy’s place on this team, his commitment to the team and how one’s own choices can make all the difference. It doesn’t matter that Rita chose him as her instrument it’s what he’s doing now with the power she gave him that matters. It’s the kind of man he’s becoming and there’s a nice lesson in that. Becoming who you should be regardless of the circumstances that got you there.

   I’m so incredibly impressed with the work Hendry does on the interiors here. The attention to detail is phenomenal. The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and the all important backgrounds really flesh out all these scenes and moments to the fullest potential. He’s able to demonstrate the action nicely as well as show off the emotions and feelings the characters have. The flow through the book is fantastic and he really elevates this past the show and hurls it into the real superhero comic book worldscape.

   I do like that while the kids know Billy is the smartest among them that they can still come up with plans, ideas and try to implement things without him. It shows a broader range to them, most notably Trini, than saying they each have only one specialty. Knowledge is power after all and the more you know….   So seeing them come up with a way to use Tommy’s connection to the grid was nicely done as was how they figured out how to access that.

   This might not make anyone watch the television show if they weren’t already a fan but it will change your mind about the comic and the franchise in general. There’s a real superhero book in this and it’s extremely well told through the writing and artwork.

Mae #6

10/31/2016

Mae #6
Dark Horse Comics 2016
Written by Gene Ha
Illustrated by Paulina Ganucheau
Coloured by Kendall Goode
Lettered by Zander Cannon

   Ever wondered what Abby was like when she first got to this strange new world? Well wonder no more as we glimpse behind the curtain so to speak. In this one-of flashback story we see Abby, going by Ani, in a town pub arm wrestling one of the locals while talking to an assembled group. She seems kind of bored and over the whole thing by this point, having been lost in the woods for a few days and unable to find her way around or back to Krunyrves.

   It’s the first time we see her actually think of her family, mostly Mae as I’m guessing her dad is more an afterthought. Gene’s characterisation here is nice as we get to see this lost little girl who definitely has an attitude feeling somewhat conflicted by the adventures she’s been having and the guilt of her family not knowing where she is. It’s important because it makes Abby seem more fully rounded as a person and while she does eventually get swept up in local affairs and elevates her status here into something of a legend this story takes place prior to that. It’s a good look at her as a person who still needs to find herself.

   The work on the interiors by Paulina has this whole Steven Universe or Adventure Time feel to it. I’ve not really watched either series but from what I can tell it has that kind of all-ages weird character designs to it. It’s cute, fun and well done and does show off a nice creative imagination in depicting these locals. The use of page layouts, angles and perspective are nicely used to control the flow of the story.

   I like that this is the story where Abby becomes noticed by those who matter. The village is attacked and some eaten by a band of marauders. When she sticks up for the town and kind of gets thrashed at first we see her ingenuity and determination in action. I like that she’s a tough one who doesn’t want to see others get pushed around. It says a lot about her character and it’s something most people should do. By that I mean stand up to bullies, if you see someone bullying someone say something or do something because it’s never okay to let that happen and it’s something we need to remember no matter what age we are.

   While it’s a great opportunity to see Abby fight it’s also a nice opportunity to see some of the creatures of this world as well. These giant talking birds for instance. They have this Ostrich/Emu/Cassowary kind of look and feel mixed with a more dinosaur approach and makes them as formidable as the beasts who ride them. I have to say the way that we see her overcome her fear in favour of courage to stand up to these goons should be an example to people of all ages. It may not be easy but we all have a bit of a hero in us and shouldn’t let fear stop us from protecting those who can’t protect themselves or that just need assistance.

Aliens Defiance #6

10/31/2016

Aliens Defiance #6
Dark Horse Comics 2016
Written by Brian Wood
Illustrated by Tristan Jones
Coloured by Dan Jackson
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot

   WHILE LOOKING FOR SURVIVORS in an Alien-infested fueling depot, ZULA HENDRICKS and Davis discover a lone medical officer, Dr. Hollis, hiding in the bowels of the station. Her research skills and firsthand knowledge of the xenomorph scourge are invaluable to the mission, but the arrival of a heavily armed squad of Colonial Marines threatens to cut things short.

   First things first Tristan Jones is a genius when it comes to storytelling. The attention to detail he puts into his work and the ferocity of what we see on the page is astonishing. I mean that splash page is utterly gorgeous and terrifying at the same time. His use of page layouts through angles, perspective and those all important backgrounds really do so much to put you into the action here and make your heart race as you know these Marines aren’t going to survive this encounter. I could read the whole thing without words and never miss a beat of what’s happening here. He’s rocketed up on my list of people I want to send a blank cover, of his choice, to do whatever he feels like doing on it. You don’t see this kind of talent everyday and when you find it you have to simply marvel at what he’s capable of.

   I love what Brian is doing with the story here as well. As Zula and Davis run through the station with Dr. Hollis the three begin to talk about what the heck is going on here. How originally Wayland-Tuyani wanted a live specimen brought back for research and study to weaponise it. Only it’s Dr. Hollis who holds more information than we realised as she’s able to state that they don’t need a live specimen only a partial one because of advancements in essentially gene modification practices, a lot like cloning, have advanced so far that they only need to get its dna.

   This changes how Zula sees her mission now. Yes she realises she and the Davis crew were sent to retrieve a specimen and more than likely the Marines were already out in space waiting for a locale to swoop in and gather what they needed. Now she knows she cannot let them get their hands on any kind of specimen dead or alive. Not that they’d be able to capture a live one I mean c’mon. I love that the Corporation is still so full of itself they believe they can control one of these things and manipulate it to create a new weapon that would put them back on top.

   Brian manages to keep all the core elements of the movie franchise in this story and continue to flesh them out according the characters we see. So it’s a perfect fit into that movie franchise while it’s still a stand alone story. The characterisation here is phenomenally good and the story development is truly big screen worthy. The way he’s able to create the tension and fear inside these pages stands out. If ever a series were to be as true as possible to the movie franchise without being an adaptation it’s this one. Best part of it all is that it’s not over yet. We see all those moments that keep happening to people happen and all the while their characters continue to grow and evolve into something so much than we were originally introduced to.

   This is in my humble opinion the best Alien story i’ve seen to date period.

Lucas Stand #5

10/31/2016

Lucas Stand #5
Boom! Studios 2016
Written by Kurt Sutter & Caitlin Kittredge
Illustrated by Jesus Hervas
Coloured by Adam Metcalfe
Lettered by Jim Campbell

   We’ve seen Lucas go through a lot in the first four issues and and the best is still yet to come with one more issue to go. This issue we see a lot happen with Lucas and a few things that are explained that really go a long way in where Lucas is going to go next. The characterisation here has been exceptionally well done and the story advancement, the pacing, is really nice to see.

   Lucas is in this time period with Alicia and she’s a soulless being herself one who is out for herself and a lot of who she is comes through thanks to Jesus and Adam’s work. There’s this definite look in her face and her facial expressions that really speaks volumes. Not to mention the fact that while the pair are out and find a dead starlet her actions. I mean she’s really gruesome and cold there’s very little humanity in her and that’s from working for their “employer” for so long.

   Jesus eye for storytelling here is fantastic. I am very much enjoying how the book flows through page layouts with the use of angles and perspective. The colouring is wonderfully done to accentuate the work. The emotion and feeling that comes off the pages is perfectly suited for the story at hand. I enjoy seeing his backgrounds in play they do a lot to flesh out those moments we see them and tell the bigger picture.

   They’ve been in Hollywood looking for a Tempter and all they’ve managed to find are its victims. It’s gotta be frustrating to be on a case and getting nowhere but then they are hunting someone or something that doesn’t want to be found and it knows it’s being hunted so things of course aren’t going to be easy. I have to say even though it’s kind of background I like the job Lucas has taken and the depiction of old Hollywood. It’s the place dreams are created or killed right and it was ruthless back then so no it’s no wonder there isn’t a shortage of victims for this Tempter.

   There are a few things that happen this issue that start to change the way Lucas sees what he’s doing. One is the return of an old friend, the Indian Dedham, who we last saw in the Deadwood adventure. Only now he shows his age but still it’s nice to see a familiar face who does the same kind of work he does but for totally different reasons. He’s a mysterious character and while we learn a thing or two about him that leaves more open that we want to know. Kurt and Cait have really created a fascinating world here that has the potential for so much over the years.

   The other thing is we start to see the bigger the picture Gadrel is painting here. How he’s using Lucas to clear a path of those that could/would potentially stand in his way. Altruism isn’t exactly in a demons nature after all and saving the timeline well that only works when you have plans for those events to play out a certain way. So when the big fight comes this issue it’s really a question of what does Lucas stand for and is he willing to be someone’s pawn in a game he doesn’t know he’s playing. It’s a risky move and I have to say the course of events that unfold here are spectacular. The ramifications of what’s happening well that’ll play out next issue but for now i’m thrilled with how many layers and the complexity of this story that we’re getting.

Suicide Squad #3

10/30/2016

Suicide Squad #3
DC Comics 2016
Written by Rob Williams
Penciled by Jim Lee
Inked by Scott Williams
Coloured by Alex Sinclair
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot

   I wanted very much not to like this series. Yes I know there are two more issues already out as I read this but DC doesn’t work with me as a reviewer so i’m running behind on their titles. However what Rob is doing here, even if Captain Boomerang is really dead, is pretty good stuff. I feel like it’s a lot less like the movie and fits more into what the original Squad was all about, going into dangerous situations to do a mission while being disposable. Well I suppose if Hack is going to be a new member one had to bite the bullet as it were, so here’s hoping that Digger’s son takes up the mantle next because that’s the better of the two Captain Boomerang’s.

   While I’m not immersed or that knowledgable about the goings on in the DCU anymore it’s nice to see the opening with Amanda narrating why she’s doing what she’s doing. From seeing manmade skyscrapers to the destruction that was wrought in the Justice League: the Darkseid War it makes more sense that she’s committed to this line of action.

   Last issue General Zod fried Captain Boomerang from the shins up and the team must now face a mad Kryptonian. That this team is supposed to go up against someone of his power stature is what this team is all about, isn’t it? This is the weapon the Soviets were hiding and the one Amanda wanted, though how she thought she’d control Zod of all people is beyond me, and i’m beginning to wonder if she knew exactly what it was that she was after in the first place.

   I have to give it up for Rob he’s an amazing writer and the dialogue and characterisation he’s bringing us here is pretty fantastic. The story development and advancement is superb as is how strong the pacing is. Things move quickly here and it has to they are in a fight for their lives and there’s really no time to stop, assess and think it’s pure instinct and action and that means what Rob has in store here is essentially perfectly done. Though I have to admit that the one who stops Zod for now isn’t the most obvious or logical choice but it sure as hell is a showstopper!

   Also the revelation about this base and who’s on it well that just makes my day. We don’t get to see a lot of the world outside the U.S. in comics so it’s only logical that this is what it is. Hopefully this will also mean the possible emergence of Soyuz and Red Star as well though I sincerely doubt that I can still dream.

   I’ll give a tip of my hat to the interiors here as well. Though not for the pom pom buns on Harley and Hack. I mean Hack looks like a version of Bumblebee and on Harley c’mon quick mucking about with her look and let’s make it classic again. Everyone else has a form of iconicness in their uniforms so bring her’s back to something other than movie slut. Otherwise the attention to detail, the use of page layouts with the angles and perspective not to mention the backgrounds are all utilised well.

   There’s something here that’s new to this time and yet has a more classic feel with Flag leading the team. It’s a solid book and it’s got that interest factor and unpredictability to it with not knowing if anyone could die at any time. With strong writing, characterisation and interiors the Squad is on it’s way back to being formidable.

The Hellblazer #2

10/30/2016

The Hellblazer #2
DC Comics 2016
Written by Simon Oliver
Illustrated by Moritat
Coloured by Andre Szymanowicz & Moritat
Lettered by Sal Cipriano

   Yes i’m a little bit behind because DC doesn’t really work with reviewers and with everything I’ve had going on this is the first chance I’ve had to pick this up. From Vertigo to the short lived television series John Constantine has become a staple in the comic book world and his edgy, sarcastic and seemingly selfish nature is what we’ve come to expect from him. Only that and the fact that underneath all the bluster is a man who cares he’s just loathe to admit, seem weak or think he can be taken advantage of. Simon has captured him perfectly in these few issues that I’ve read so far.

   The opening is superb as the Swamp Thing says people change and not everything is John’s fault no matter how hard you wish it were otherwise. This is a great bit of characterisation as these two characters get to know one another and discuss their complicated relationship with John. I actually like that while Swamp Thing knows him for who he is he’s still got a soft spot and trust for what John says he’ll do. I’m not sure you’ll find a stronger endorsement than he backing him up, even while admitting he’s a “total wanker.”

   There’s a part of me that adores the fact we see John on the loo, though really a tank top sigh alas. There’s this look on his face that Moritat gives him where you see he’s tired and the dialogue between him and Chas well it’s strong in that he knows he’s on borrowed time and needs to shite or get off the pot. Again the characterisation that Simon brings us is exceptional and while you want to feel for John and his subtle attempts at showing friendship and kindness is masked by that outward demeanor he uses to protect himself really shines.

   John’s waited long enough for the other shoe to drop and wearing out his welcome with Chas means it’s time to face the music. So we get to see more of his, well let’s call it his supporting cast, underworld contacts. Clarice Sackville is an intriguing character and after hearing his assessment of her and everything that goes down during their chat well I will say that I do hope she’s a recurring figure in these pages. This does lead to something along the lines of what he was expecting only it’s coming in a totally different path. While he has no idea the true nature or intent it’s fun to see him try to employ all those tricks he’s known for in trying to elude those in pursuit. I can’t wait to see where this is leading him cause I know it’s going to be incredibly good.

   Moritat is an extremely talented individual. I loved his run on Jonah Hex and his take on John and company is equally as impressive. His depiction of John has all the right notes from when he’s being humble to cocky & arrogant or just that sly dog he brings this mix of sex, charm and trouble to his looks that makes him seem irresistible. Plus there’s no denying his eye for storytelling through page layouts, angles, perspective and his of backgrounds. They really flesh out the story extraordinarily well.

   There’s a fresh sense of excitement, adventure and intrigue in this newest series that has been missing. It’s great to see when the right combination of creators unite on a series and infuse it with that blend that makes you eager for more, especially when the series is so new.