READING WITH A FLIGHT RING
  • About
  • reviews
  • Contact
  • Cosplay of the Day 2
  • Company News
  • Entertainment Section
  • Convention News/Updates
  • original artwork
  • My Best Books of the Week
  • Cosplay of the day!
  • FCBD
  • Interviews
  • Webcomics

Today's reviews!

Reviews for 21-01-21 Reviews for 20-01-21
​Reviews for 19-01-21 Reviews for 18-01-21 Reviews for 17-01-21
​Reviews for 16-01-21 Reviews for 15-01-21 Reviews for 14-01-21
​Reviews for 12-01-21 Reviews for 11-01-21 Reviews for 10-01-21
​Reviews for 09-01-21 Reviews for 08-01-21 Reviews for 07-01-21
​Reviews for 06-01-21 Reviews for 05-01-21 Reviews for 04-01-21
​Reviews for 03-01-21 Reviews for 02-01-21 Reviews for 01-01-21

Facebook Link

Vampirella Dejah Thoris #02

10/28/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Vampirella Dejah Thoris #02
Dynamite Entertainment 2018
Written by Erik Burnham
Illustrated by Ediano Silva
Coloured by Dinei Ribeiro
Lettered by Troy Peteri of A Larger World Studios


      For centuries, the various tribes of Mars have stood on the doorstep or armed conflict and even global war. Only the spectre of a war without a victor has kept things in check. For centuries, the vampiric people of Drakulon have existed in peace, but now a global catastrophe has taken a massive toll. Spurned by desperation, one woman will attempt a near-impossible feat to save her people, taking her on a collision course with a princess equally devoted to her populace….

      Oh good lord have mercy on me because this story that Erik keeps unfolding before us is something extraordinary. These two women who break the mould of the way we traditionally see strong female characters who are meeting here for the first time is sensationally well done. As different as night and day yet fundamentally the same in their desire to be the best they can be and beset by those who think they should have a different place in their worlds well yeah that’s something all too common in the battle of the sexes. Yes Vampirella says her people are all equal but she’s rarely among them so she’s judged by the standards of those whom she is.

     So after last issue we open this one with Vampirella and Dejah Thoris recounting everything for the Jeddak. Here we see the weight of the decision of what is about to happen on his face. Seriously on his face and through his furrowed brow. This is when the story this issue actually hits the fan and not in the ways I was really expecting. I really like Gur Tus but man is he not comfortable with his sexuality if he feels this emasculated. Not going to lie either Erik needs to write a story with him in the lead and explore who he is while keeping his (Erik’s) surprises coming at us. The characterisation here is above and beyond what we’ve come to expect and this is the standard here so sorry so-called “Big 2” but not sorry.

      The interiors here are utterly marvellous to behold. The manipulation of the varying weights of the linework to create such subtlety is so damn good. The hair, the stubble or facial hair, the powerful yet sexy way the girls look all of is done through such a talented eye and hand that it reminds you what an artist is truly capable of. I wish that Dejah and her people were red instead a more healthy flesh tone because I think that’s a huge part of how she’s been described and our expectations. The way that we see backgrounds here being utilised is delightful and the creativity and imagination we see here is fantastic. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a really solid eye for storytelling. The colouring we see is actually really nice and the whole gradation so highlights and lowlights are seen the way they are are quite impressive.
​

     From where we started to where we end up are two totally different places and you have to see it to understand that fully. I think the structure of this book, it’s pacing and how we get this amazing flow to the story is so well done. I like how we see the obstacles they have to face are placed before them, they don’t feel forced but a natural progression to the story at hand. It will take these two women to work side by side using might and mind to not only save Vampirella’s people but to make it out of this alive.

0 Comments

High Heaven #02

10/27/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
High Heaven #02
Ahoy Comics 2018
Written by Tom Peyer
Illustrated by Greg Scott
Coloured by Andy Troy
Lettered by Rob Steen


      David Weathers dies and goes to heaven. Unfortunately, heaven is just as depressing as the fate that led him there. Disappointed by the cold reception of angry bullies, miserable caseworkers, and long-forgotten relatives, David desperately searches for a way out.

      Second verse same as the first, no Herman’s Hermits are not involved here nor is it true because damnation this one is so much better than the first. If this series continues to move forward this way it may become one of my top five current ongoing books. Tom has taken me to a place that I didn’t know was possible. The writing here is utterly exceptional and the dialogue is inspired and I have to say the whole ebb & flow that has been created here showcases such talent and Chutzpah!

       The opening is to die for! Ben his best friend or just co-worker who has this thing about him yeah he opens up and admit to Heather that David going to lunch to her was his doing. The funny thing about him is try that I might I cannot find him not likeable. There is just that something about him that reminds me of Don Draper though let’s face nowhere near as successful but then who really is. Still that rapscallion quality that surrounds him as well has his good looks yeah that's there.

       I do very much enjoy the way that we get Ben and David’s stories being told side by side as things in Ben’s life come to light. Of course David whose infernal whining is getting not just on everyone else’s nerves but the reader’s as well. I know it’s a part of who David is, at least right now but the blokes got a serious case of woe is me. I know people like him and even when things are going well they cannot help but complain and they are toxic. Toxic to the extent that th4ey can’t even recognise their own behaviour and any attempt to help them or point it out automatically makes you a villain. Such is the extent of Tom’s writing though that he’s able to bring David to life the way he has and as much through others as his own actions.

      Greg is one of my all time favourite artists. Seriously the best and most underrated man working to day slinging the pencil and inks. What he is capable of doing continues to amaze me each and every time I see his work and it always seems to be getting better and better. God knows if I could afford it I’d send him my sketchbook and ask for the entire cover be done by him that is how talented I believe him to be. His linework and the way that the varying weights are manipulated to show subtlety is gorgeous and then balancing that against some really bold moments blows me away. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels showcases a magnificent eye for storytelling. Then there is the way that backgrounds are being utilised to expand the moment and show us the size and scope of the book.

      The one thing I can say about this is that nothing is straight up what it seems to be. Sure David’s a total wanker but hey that’s okay we all need someone we love to hate. So I am anxious to see what Tom has in store for him because there has to be some redeeming qualities to him, ones that we don’t see or at least he should find redemption in his quest to either leave heaven or ascend to a place that lets you have genitals.
​

     This will become a Magnificent Obsession if you let it. With such strong stellar writing and stunning interiors this is a must have book.

0 Comments

Nice #1 Advance Review

10/27/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Nice #1 Advance Review
American Gothic Press 2018
On Sale Dec 5th 2018
Written by Dagen Walker & Joseph Ettinger
Illustrated by Marc Rene
Coloured by Dennis Calero
Lettered by Jenn Pham


      Kevin and Jose are twenty-something hipsters crusing through life in a fancy car, drinking at bars and chatting about nothing, except when their mysterious employer sends them on errands that may involve killing people. More often they're expected to just clean up after the excitement is over. But a deranged cop's personal investment in the organization they work for is about to change everything.

     Now we all know that I am a fan of smaller press companies and thus far I haven’t been disappointed by anything they’ve done. This time around they are teaming up Echo Lake Entertainment to bring us the first of their collaborations. So far so good this does what a first issue is supposed to do it captures the attention of the reader creating that mystery and intrigue about the relationship of all the characters we meet. Then it gets going and suddenly a slew of new questions arise and then we are left with bated breath wondering how soon the next issue is going to be out. A really phenomenal first issue to a series let alone a story.

      The opening is extremely eye catching and somewhat disturbing on so many levels. Normally a naked woman would be something of beauty, if drawn right, here however we see someone who doesn’t even seem human any longer. She’s much more patchwork than anything else and I am leaving it at that. Still the fact that everything that we see of her here shows us what kind of woman she is is noteworthy. You will understand her and you will know where she stands but we won’t know how she became this way and that’s key.

      I am really impressed with the way that this book is structured. It has a great flow to it and they manage to create this really exceptional dynamic between the characters whom are introduced. We see bits and pieces and then your mind kind of extrapolates data that we aren’t privy to yet and so suddenly before you realise it’s even happened is that you are a part of the story. They’ve got you hook, line and sinker my friends and ya know what that’s okay. From the limited exposure to these characters all of whom we have absolutely no idea of what is behind their motives are fleshed out just enough to give them personality but reveal absolutely nothing about them. Frustrating or brilliant that’s up for you to decide but where my opinion lies.

     Marc and Dennis do some really amazing work on the interiors here. That opening with Hanin gave me the shudders. The linework here is beautiful to see and the attention to detail is great, though shame on you all for leaving out the letterer on the marquee. I cannot stress enough how well done this is and seeing hairstyles where the hair feels like it moves and not stationary cannot be understated (I wanted to say I’m not going to be ignored Dan). The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a solid eye for storytelling. I like the way backgrounds are utilised there are times where I wish we’d see more, the bar for example all that brown wasn’t pleasant. Overall however the look, tone and feel of what we see is amazingly well done.
​

     Well this is off to a raucous start and this is the kind of exceptional storytelling that I have come to expect from American Gothic Press. There should still be time to make your local shoppe orders this for you and I highly suggest that you do.

0 Comments

Lodger #1

10/27/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Lodger #1
Black Crown HQ/IDW Publishing 2018
Written by David & Maria Lapham
Illustrated by David Lapham


     A handsome drifter murders his way through the midwest while hiding in plain sight as a travel blogger, leaving families in shreds and body bags in his wake. Ricky Toledo was fifteen when she fell hard for “Dante”—until he killed her mother and got her father sent to prison for it. It’s three years later, and Ricky will stop at nothing to get revenge. Lodger is a dark, grimy, psychological thriller—a game of cat and mouse between a broken young woman and a serial killer—and like all the best crime noir… a twisted love story.

      It took me a while to “get” what was going on here. That is pretty amazing in and of itself since I consider myself an avid reader. So that this was able to stump me with what I was reading and made sit back and actually think and contemplate what was going on well that’s one of the myriad of reasons by David Lapham is high on my list of must read creators. The sheer fact that you have to use your brain here instead of just breezing through it excites me.

      So the way that the opening brings us into the story is beautifully done. I had no idea who it was doing the narration but you get the sense they are a weary traveller. What we read and what we see here is idyllic in that it feels like some small town that could be Painswick or Mayberry. It has this homey comfortable feel that more than likely belies what goes on behind closed doors. Regardless it is one of those openings that deceives the reader for what is about to follow and that this can be done by these two is outstanding stuff.

      Then the next thing we see is something that is totally out of left field, hence unexpected. Some might call it an act of mercy others murder but that’s not really for anyone to decide but those involved. It is also when we finally meet Ricky for the first time as she enters this hamlet with something of a jaded eye. She is much younger than one would expect her to be and to be that young and to be that jaded, hurt and determined almost breaks my heart. However on the flip side of all that it certainly makes the reader, me in this instance, want to know how and who made her this way and it’s the kind of curiosity killed the cat kind of feeling. So yeah so expertly done.

     I love seeing David’s interior artwork. This is a far cry from Ferals, The Strain, or even Young Liars but it still has so much of that warmth and skill that he possesses. The black and white angle surprised me but I will wholeheartedly admit that I love it and while it’s harder to hide mistakes this way it also showcases just how stinkin talented he is. That he doesn’t shy away from backgrounds being utilised as they are and fills with them with the same amount of attention to detail that the foreground has is sensational. The linework is just gorgeous and the utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off his eye for storytelling. That he and his wife write this and he illustrates it means everything we see is what is intended for the reader to get that maximum experience.
​

     The way that this is structured so that the ebb & flow it creates is done in such a way that your eyes widen and that feeling of not knowing what may come next is thrilling. The characterisation is phenomenal to see and it makes me want to read more I want to learn about Ricky and the boy she’s chasing using the name Ricky. This just reaffirms why the Lapham’s are among the comic book elite this is fascinating in ways you have to read to understand, so are you?

0 Comments

Books of Magic #1

10/26/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Books of Magic #1
Vertigo Comics 2018
Written by Kat Howard
Illustrated by Tom Fowler
Coloured by Jordan Boyd
Lettered by Todd Klein


      Timothy Hunter may be destined to become the most powerful magician in the universe, but he’s still a London teenager, and having magical abilities complicates things more than it helps. It’s not like he can use magic to pass his exams, stop being bullied or convince his cute friend to date him. And while Tim’s trying to live his life, there are cultists who want to kill him, believing his power will eventually corrupt him into becoming a merciless mage. Oh, and those are the good guys. Luckily, his new substitute teacher is more than she appears, and may be able to help Tim discover the mystery behind the Books of Magic…

     This was one of the book I was excited about when it was announced and after reading this issue I have to say that I wasn’t let down or disappointed in the least. The opening is sensational and recaps the first mini-series that introduced Timothy. It is beautifully done and huge kudos to Tom and Jordan for the work in bringing the different feel of the different moments so beautifully. So not only does this say he this is where are continuity is and where we are starting that diverges from the rest of the stories that were written.
​

      When we first see Timothy he’s in class in what looks like either a catholic or private school from the looks of the uniforms. Which I almost find odd since he lost his mother and his father is not handling it well and I wouldn’t have thought they’d had the money. I like because Tim hasn’t mastered magic and honestly he’s struggling to even get any to work. He is that green after taking that trip with his four tour guides. With the addition of his new teacher, one Dr. Rose, Timothy is going to learn that actions have consequences and that he’ll need to grow and mature in order for the magic to come to him. I do like that aspect very much as what kid wants to know of consequences when they want something so badly or for all the wrong reasons?

      The interiors from Tom and Jordan are nicely done, a bit too on the simple side for me at times and while this looked better on Doom Patrol I was hoping for more along the Lucifer line of work. Don’t get me wrong visually speaking I do really like the utilisation of the backgrounds and how we see the attention to detail in them. Then of course there is Hettie and her look and that’s marvellous to see and I have that instant connection to her. I’m not a fan of Tim’s glasses and how big on his face they are it looks over exaggerated and comical. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a solid eye for storytelling. Also I wonder if images in the background are meant to change from panel to panel, with Tim’s emotional state and magic it wouldn’t surprise me.

      So from the opening to the closing here they aren’t wasting any time in establishing how this new series is going to be. Tim is going to have face some serious trials and tribulations if he’s going to survive to become the greatest wizard the world has ever seen and with secret allies and open villains it may be a race against time. The pacing and the characterisation that we get are fantastic and I am really enjoying how we are seeing the begging of their personalities and get to watch them grow and change over time.  If you are a fan of the original series, all of them, or just finding this for the first time you really are going to feel the electric excitement that it brings.

     The life of Timothy Hunter is back and in extremely capable hands with strong writing and nice interior artwork the time for magic has come again and it’s been a long time since it was this exciting!

0 Comments

The Whispering Dark #1

10/26/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Whispering Dark #1
Dark Horse Comics 2018
Written by Christofer Emgard
Illustrated by Tomas Aira
Lettered by Mauro Mantella


      An Army pilot confronts a supernatural horror in this thriller in the tradition of Lovecraft's At the Mountains of Madness and Coppola's Apocalypse Now! Hannah Vance believes her faith in God can survive anything. But when her helicopter is shot down behind enemy lines, she will fight and kill on an ever-more-savage battlefield, desperate for a way home. On the horizon, an evil waits for her--and freedom, of a sort.

      The opening here is interesting as we see the moment that Hannah tells her father, a pastor, that she’s signed up. As they pair talk back and forth about her decision and what god would want for her, through her father’s interpretation of course as well as her own. It is a nice little, see quick, look at her background and where she comes from which is here to help us better understand how we see her and her actions as the story moves forward.

      The way that this is structured is excellent and how the whole book flows makes the reading easy and with the pacing you feel just when it’s getting really good it’s over. It may be a fast read but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing it is fast because it’s that well structured and that well written and you actually lose yourself in the story. I like that so fat we see what happens in real time as it were, there’s no jumping around between the past and present. There are also aspects to this that are unique in that we don’t see this often and you’ll notice them when you see them but they add a certain something to the story that makes Hannah uneasy and all too easily ready to dismiss things. So the inclusion of things such as that heighten the story’s creepiness.

      The introduction of the characters that will be a part of this story is very well done. It is kind sudden and jarring and while Hannah doesn’t really know this team she’s been thrust into I think that is part of the story’s larger appeal. So they character dynamic is not only interesting but the way we learn about this Ranger RRC team right alongside her. This means that we’re surprised when she is which in turn makes what we get to see are things unfold as they should. We don’t get backstory or information about people we meet so why should she? It’s a great avenue to go down and it increases the scares when they come.

      The interior artwork here is really very nice. Christofer and Tomas do some beautiful work and the attention to detail is amazingly shown through the manipulation of varying weights in the linework. From the rivets in the chopper to the way we see the fatigues and such with pockets and all that jazz it all stands out so it gives a more realistic view of them as they should be. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels showcases a wonderfully strong eye for storytelling. Backgrounds are utilised nicely the woods, trees and topography are used as effectively as possible.

      The characterisation is stellar and with this group and where they are and with the chain of command it’s going to be fun seeing who makes it and for how long. This is going to be one heck of ride and if the rest of the story can maintain this level of intensity and quality then I am seriously going to be on the edge of my seat, both in anticipation of what’s to come as well as for what the books will hold.
​

    This one that took me by surprise at it’s level of quality in the writing and artwork and exceeded any kind of expectations I might have had.  

0 Comments

The Backstagers Halloween Intermission 2018 Special

10/25/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Backstagers Halloween Intermission 2018 Special
​Boom! Studios 2018

Created by James Tynion IV & Rian Sygh
Written by James Tynion IV
Illustrated by Rian Sygh
Coloured by Walter Baiamonte
Lettered by Jim Campbell
Greased Lightning
Written by Sam Johns
Illustrated by Savanah Ganucheau
Lettered by Jim Campbell
Fright Lights
Written by Sam Johns
Illustrated by Shan Murphy
Lettered by Jim Campbell
Fright of the Living Tool Rats
Written by Sam Johns
Illustrated & Lettered by Abby Howard
Coloured by Walter Baiamonte


      With the days getting shorter and the nights getting SPOOKIER, the Backstagers are back for the Halloween season with all-new tales of terrors and creepy creatures. When Sasha accidentally falls asleep backstage, he ends up locked in the theater overnight! What lurks in the shadows, what terrors will he discover, and what the heck are the stage managers chanting?

      This has to be one of absolute best all-ages title that I have ever been privileged to read. James and Rian created one of the most open, honest and interesting look at kids in high school. This really has such a wide diversity to the characters and that they are all over the spectrum. Also it has that way of showing friendship, loyalty and a fierce sense of protectiveness that they all have for one another and it should be read by every single living person on the planet. We need to be reminded that it doesn’t matter who you are, what you are in regards to religion or sexuality or even the colour of your skin. Being a good kind person even in the face of things that terrify you and trusting in those around you isn’t something that should be forgotten.

      While the first story here takes up a good majority of the book I am not going to complain. James and Rian do some amazing work together and I am always thrilled to see them here. It is even better that their story goes back and forth from Tim and Jamie’s freshmen year and the present. There is a great charm to their relationship and how it’s presented and in all honesty I think I much prefer this being kind of coy at first and now as solid as a rock. Also Sasha yeah I have no idea what his deal is and where he falls in the scheme of life but to see this little guy, is he a little kid in high school hmm I forget, anyway to see his innocence and his point of view to really change how Tim and Jamie see what is happening was brilliant.

     I love the distinctive style that Rian has and the work he does on the interiors. Yes I want backgrounds in every panel because that’s just me and it does flesh out the story more, the moment and often the size and scope of the story. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a great eye for storytelling. The colours here brilliant as well they are bright and inviting and it just exudes warmth and comfort as you read the story.
​

     I am not going to go into the other stories because I want you to see, experience and enjoy those blindly. All I will say is that fit seamlessly into the Backstagers world and it’s nice to see that other creators wanting to play in this sandbox. That Sam likes to write these stories and a few artists wanted to draw them is a testament to the franchise that James and Rian have built. This is one of the best of best and that is for all comics series not just the all-ages ones. So go out grab yours today and just enjoy the Goosebumps style of storytelling!

0 Comments

KISS: Blood and Stardust #1

10/25/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Kiss: Blood and Stardust #1
Dynamite Entertainment 2018
Written by Bryan Hill
Illustrated by Rodney Buchemi
Coloured by Adriano Augusto
Lettered by Troy Peteri


      KISS returns to rock’n’roll and save the world! An immortal cabal is taking the lives of innocents and the only ones who can stop them are KISS! The only problem…they are dead. And now they have to make a deal with a demon to save their souls and return to Earth to fight evil!

      Who knew that KISS would become one of those bands who were able to transcend the music genre? They had a film, were cartoon characters, and guest star pretty much everywhere from Scooby Doo to their own show. Marvel was first to jump onto the Kiss Comics bandwagon and from there it’s pretty much history. So what keeps them so active for so long? Dynamite found out how to keep them fresh and invigorating through comics and the stories told. There is no timeline or continuity to their books they are stories told by creators meant to thrill and entertain and that is exactly what they do.

      Kiss having super-powers and where they got them from has always been a great story idea and Bryan goes all out with how he tells this story. I love it, since this is a limited run series we get to see Bryan’s pacing in full effect as he is able to not only establish Kiss’ role in the coming drama, the “villain” and the people behind him as well as the root source of the problem and how they are all going to intertwine. I am damn well impressed with how this issue is structured and the ease in which it flows. I enjoy seeing more and more of Bryan’s work being seen since he really is one the more versatile and interesting writers out there.

       The opening here is fantastic as we see KISS in concert. The way that segues into meeting the villain is superbly well done and it just goes to show how nice it can be when someone this talented is at the helm and able to transition with apparent ease. The opening also reminds us why we love KISS and what they represent to each individual. This is a stellar moment and it is one that each of us will react to in our way as the power of what we see washes over us.

      It’s also something shows us Rodney and Adriano’s work on the book. The linework is exquisite as we see just how well it is manipulated through the varying weights and this utterly amazing attention to detail. There are moments that are meant to be sensual instead of slutty and they manage to pull that off perfectly. The overall mood tone and look of they bring to this book makes the reader feel at home right away. There is something special and magical about the work they do as it really does help the whole flow of the book move so smoothly. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a magnificent eye for storytelling. Adriano’s colours really stand out through their gradation and how the characters come to look and especially the band themselves.

       It is really hard to take the band and make them get powers that set them apart from the rest of mankind and make it believable is something very special. Granted they do lend their persona’s to this type of storytelling and it really is a natural fit but to see it play out in this way is just plain cool. So while it may seem like the enemy of my enemy is my friend that’s never the case as one always has some nasty plans for what happens after the original plan is taken care of. I am looking forward to seeing where Bryan is going to take us with this arc.
​

     With amazing writing, characterisation and pacing alongside some of the most brilliant interiors around Dynamite keeps bringing us KISS in every way we want, whether we knew it or not.

0 Comments

Knight of the Golden Sun #1 Advance Review

10/25/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Knights of the Golden Sun £1 Advance Review
Mad Cave Studios 2018
On Sale Nov. 14th 2018
Written by Mark London
Illustrated by Mauricio Villarreal
Lettered by Andrew S. Zea


     Four hundred years separate the Old Testament from the New Testament, and during that time, neither man nor angel could hear God's divine message. In his absence, an age of chaos began. With humanity at the wayside, a power struggle erupts among the Archangels over who will control Father's throne.

       I like Mark’s ability to write stories he really is able to keep a very non-biased way of writing this so that doesn’t come across pro-church or even preachy. Instead it all comes across like versions of stories from the bible that are known so it’s based off something that is widely known and his interpretation of events in these pages are fulfilled by characters that we have the ability to get to know in ways other than typically biblical.

      So where does the story start? Well if we’re talking God and angels and that it’s supposed to start with the birth of Jesus right? And of course that’s the opening here but it’s not just that it encompasses so much more and I have to admit it fascinates a lot more than I would have thought. As the writing and the interior artwork work together to draw you in and make your mind and imagination work beautifully to make you a part of the story. I do love the way that we go through different era’s and the impact they are going to have on that story at large.

     The story itself is easy to understand and the way it was set up is perfectly done. Then when we see Michael and Gabrielle (Gabriel or Gabrielle is a nice way to do this) talking about the state the world is in today. What they are going to do and how they are going to do it and why choices have been made. This is all the things are essential to the characterisation and how the characters are perceived and how Mark brings them to life is bloody brilliant. Also the familial relationship that Michael and Lucifer have is also the adversarial brother type as well and I have to say simply put I fell in love with how Mark has made me feel like a part of this family.

      Mauricio is a talent that’s for damn sure. How he is able to bring this story to life visually through computer illustration brings so much of the detail to light. The way we see the snake sneaking up on David and how the wings of the angels make you feel to the way he creates the flow through the pages is masterfully well done. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a stupendous eye for storytelling. So the way that we see the backgrounds being utilised makes me terribly happy and how ethereal and majestic it all looks.

      I said earlier that Mark keeps this non-preachy and unbiased and I have to say that is one of the key features as to why I think this book works so well. I feel like while the setting and the characters are so well known that the take on what we see here is absolutely unique and original and it breaks free of what you expect or any kind of stereotype that is in your mind and you need to see for yourself just how good this point of view is.
​

     This is a first issue that you seriously do not want to miss out on. I keep telling you that these small press companies are putting stories that will amaze you and rock your world and this is one that will do that and more. The writing is incredibly solid with it’s pacing, flow and the way he’s able to make even angels feel like people.  

0 Comments

Dead Kings #1

10/25/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dead Kings #1
Aftershock Comics 2018
Created & Written by Steve Orlando
Created & Illustrated by Matthew Dow Smith
Coloured by Lauren Affe
Lettered by Thomas Mauer


       Plagued by the ramifications of a techno-magic world now thirty years gone, Thrice-Nine is a dirty folklore world that limps along, degenerating into a place filled with paranoia and poison. Sasha Vasnetsov thought he’d escaped all that, but when news comes that his twin brother has been kidnapped by the secret police, he finds him-self dragged back into the madness with a simple goal—to find his brother.

     I kind of like this and I am not entirely sure why. I mean Steve is an excellent writer and the premise behind this is strong and intriguing. Matthew’s work on the interiors has a unique style that seems to fit this world beautifully. It does feel a little disorienting with the flow of during the opening but after that it’s like boom! I think I really like for what’s inferred in this issue. The idea of exploring twin brothers who are the same person and yet totally different is something that we don’t see. One straight and one gay and the dynamic is what intrigues me the most.

     The way that this is structured creates a pretty darn nice ebb & flow after the opening. Though once we are partway into the book it’s easy enough to see how it fits into the overall story. I found myself kind of enamoured with Sasha and how he’s going about things. His story is a personal one and like all young men at a certain point he wanted to leave the town he was raised in and go off on his own to find his place in the world. So his actions this issue are understandable and just the way he is going about it shows off Steve’s understanding of pacing and characterisation.

     Part of me is enjoying the fact that we come into this kind of in the middle, Sasha is a grown man now having been born during a war and we don’t see his childhood growing up. So there is room to go back and use flashbacks when necessary to continue fleshing him out but it will be more fun and interesting to see him to continue moving forward. His plan is one that isn’t as well thought out as he thinks, he’s young rash and full of bravado since he doesn’t seem to have been much of an army guy or fighter thus far. At least not that we’ve seen so yeah this the kind of opportunity to really just go balls to the wall and bring us someone with pretty much a blank slate to play with.

     I said before I like the interiors here they fit this world and the unique vision they are going for with the story. The linework seems heavy and as such sets a mood and tone of the story. There is some light linework here as we see in the faces and facial hair plus those facial expressions is so damn exceptional. The barkeep looks like an actor we all know and overall the way everyone is brought to life is just amazing to me. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off such a great eye for storytelling. We see some nice use of backgrounds being utilised but I'd still like to see more because they really do expand the story and show off the city beautifully.
​

     By the end of the issue I am totally into this story. It has that kind of build-up where the story seems to get better and better with each page. This is engaging, unique and much different than the usual kind of book I’ve read before with it’s strong writing and wonderful interior artwork.

0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.