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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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Excalibur #1

10/31/2019

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Excalibur #1
Marvel Comics 2019
Written by Tini Howard
Illustrated by Marcus To
Coloured by Erick Aciniega
Lettered by VC's Cory Petit


     A NEW DAWN IS FORGED!
     The Otherworld is rocked by war! It is a new era for mutant kind as a new Captain Britain holds the amulet, fighting for the Kingdom of Avalon with her Excalibur at her side - Rogue, Gambit, Rictor, Jubilee...and Apocalypse.

     I was looking forward to this when it was announced, though I was unaware of the cast of characters at the time. I am still not sold on these characters as a team but then I am jaded because the original run was one of the best Marvel series, after New Mutants. Like that one we'll see how this one gels as the story moves forward because the premise here seems incredibly strong. I will say this Tini has this way about her writing that I just find myself drawn to. The work here is no different and the reports, for lack of a better word, that Apocalypse keeps doing make for some really interesting reading and I think we see that schism in the ranks that should be there.

     Well I do like the opening here as well with what we see in Otherworld and though we do not yet know how it relates to the mutants and Krakoa we'll see soon enough. Then to see Betsy's departure from Braddock Academy is somewhat bittersweet. Only in the fact that Tini writes a very interesting conversation between Betsy and Brian. Here's the thing I have stayed away from the “X” titles for a reason so I am a tad under knowledgable when it comes to what's happening. I know the basics that Xavier revealed his existence then created a new manifesto and place for mutants all over the globe to be welcomed, regardless of hero, villain or just indifferent.

     The way that this is being told is very interesting. The story & plot development we see here with how the book is structured and the introduction of the situation that arises is very well orchestrated. The character development is interesting and I see where the characters are right now and I can see some fiery fierce loyalty bubbling beneath the surface. With the pacing here we see how twists & turns as well as a few revelations create a wonderful ebb & flow to the story. I am totally unfamiliar with Trinary though if she's able to work with Doug (Cipher) then she's someone I want to know more about and preferably with Doug. After all he is among my favourite characters at Marvel.

     The interiors here are nice and at times utterly outstanding. For the most part it looks like a traditional comic book style and that's perfectly fine with me. The linework is good, strong and the varying weights are utilised to create some stellar attention to detail. The page where Betsy comes to the Krakoa has some of the most interesting detail work and the land and how we see the lines in the structures to keeps sections stable is sensation. Also hell yeah for Toad. Then we see Apocalypse and I like everything except the flowers on the top. The lack depth, feeling or any sense they are real and that's a shame to see such beautiful work and then see that is disappointing. 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 phenomenal (except those damn flowers). The way a base colour is chosen and how we see the various tones and hues within to create shading and shadows is marvellous. Also love to see how the light sources are being utilised.
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     The book has a ton of potential and so long as Brian is going to be a part of this and we see how the team that will be assembled gel will say how long I'll be around. Tini is an amazing writer and it's nice to see her taking this on and hopefully utilising Betsy as the teams leader. With this art team being solidly in place and some darn fine lettering I can't wait to see what's next. ​

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Sandman Universe Presents Hellblazer

10/31/2019

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Sandman Universe Presents Hellblazer
DC Comics 2019
Written by Simon Spurrior
Illustrated by Marcio Takara
Coloured by Cris Peter
Lettered by Aditya Bidikar


     He’s cheated death and damnation more times than he can count, but never like this. Long ago, in the crucible of a magical war waged across countless futures, Constantine was murdered by an all-powerful adversary: a twisted version of Timothy Hunter, bloated with evil. But over the past year strange forces have conspired to restart Tim Hunter’s tale, and somehow-amid sorcery, insanity and secret agendas-this older, wiser, wilier shade of Constantine has been dragged back with it. Unlike young Tim, John remembers every second of a life that went very, very wrong. Now he must ask himself why he, the last person in the world to deserve a second chance, has been given one. Is John Constantine here to put Tim Hunter on the right track and avert a terrible outcome? Or is it because he’s the only person in existence with the guts to do what REALLY must be done? After all, he’s a nasty piece of work, chief…ask anybody. This oversize one-shot sets the stage, and is the perfect jumping-on point, for a new era of Sandman Universe tales beginning in November…and is the official start of the strangest chapter yet in John Constantine’s long life!

     First long ago John became one of the characters whom I fell in love with and have followed through every incarnation possible. So I am thrilled that once more he's going to have his own ongoing monthly with the being the preview to that series. One of the hugest things about this issue is that Simon pays homage to the original introduction of Timothy Hunter and the fact that there was always that possibility that he'd bring about the end of the world. So having this as our starting point is something I never thought we'd see and honestly I wish we could see more.

     The story & plot development here is utterly phenomenal to see. How the reader is treated to the release of information, how the events unfold because of the books structure is fabulously done. The character development is stupendous because what we establish is that John is the old John, the original, who is jaded, out for himself and without a friend in the entire world thanks to how he treats others. This cynical, angry at the world bloke is who John should be so it's nice to see this going to be happening again. The way the pacing is utilised to showcase how the twists, turns and revelations that we encounter create this great ebb & flow to the book.

     The interiors here are pretty spectacular stuff. I mean from seeing the war in the background to how we see John and Chaz to the ghosts and creatures that are prevalent throughout show a creativity and imagination that's impressive. There are times the linework could be cleaner I am not going to lie about that or just gloss over it. However I will say that there is one page where the work is extraordinary after he's told to be his best version. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a solid eye for storytelling. So this is John Constantine and he needs backgrounds, the dead that surround him, the city around him and all that is essential to who he is and that we see this here really fleshes things out beautifully. The colour work is really nice it seems pretty standard fare though I really like the way the muted colours look in the Hunter flashes they also seem to have some very interesting colour bleeding going on and it has a very distinct style.
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     Oh yes this is what I have been waiting for! This is what DC does best not their mainstream books, shudder, no this outside the box storytelling that comes with a mature reader tag. The kind of storytelling that makes you question your sanity and beg to be a part of his world. Where we lose ourselves in the story, so fully engaged and invested that there's no place you'd rather be. Simon and company have this nailed and I hope they will be doing the main series coming up. Well them and I hope we see some covers from Simon Bisley who always managed to really capture the whole spirit behind John.  

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Roku #1

10/30/2019

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Roku #1
Valiant Entertainment 2019
Written by Cullen Bunn
Illustrated by Ramón F. Bachs
Coloured by Stéphane Paitreau
Lettered by Dave Sharpe

     How many lives must the lethal assassin Roku take in her first series?  Killing her way around the globe, the deadly weapon called Roku will face a challenge she can’t simply execute.
     Being bad has never been so fun.

     Roku made a huge splash when she was introduced and that made me wonder would she be able to carry her own book? Well Cullen took up that challenge and here we are with the first issue of her very own book. I am intrigued by the concept here and from what we've already seen of her and her origin, which is tied so closely to Ninjak's, I am excited to think what could be in store. From the first page I was totally no-holds-barred in for this book. The opening here is sensational and what I really like about it is that it made go off-script when comes to Roku's hair. We can make all the Medusa jokes or comparisons and they may have some legitimacy to them but Roku is also a telepath and she's been made to be this way. So I went off-script because we know her hair can look normal, be utilised as sharp, razor sharp, instruments and with her martial arts training it's a very offensive weapon. So with all that can it be utilised defensively? We may not know because when is she going to be in a position she feels she has to use it that way?

     The story & plot development here is fantastic and I like seeing her in action with her own narration that takes us through what she's doing. I have to say I am utterly impressed with what we see too. The way we learn information through her narration and actions is superbly done. The character development as well is intense and extremely well rendered. There are a number of times throughout this issue the point towards where her personality and knowledge are somewhat lacking or open for investigation. I look forward to seeing where Cullen decides to take this because I find it extremely interesting in those moments that she was essentially closed off or unaware. With the way the pacing comes into play here we see the twists, turns and that huge final revelation come into play and I have to tell you that the way this is structured and the overall ebb & flow is utterly marvellous.

     So I briefly hinted on the visuals earlier and that opening page with Hong Kong's buildings and then the club that is as tight as tight gets when it comes to the linework and the imagery an the colours. That pardon my French is putain incroyable! The one thing I will say is that I am slightly disappointed by the lack of backgrounds that we see, especially during action sequences. This kind cheapens in a way because I see it the thought of the action is that's important but then we lose that sense of size and scope of the place it's happening. Otherwise they utilised to enhance the moment and do bring that sense of size and scope and it's beautifully done. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a really solid eye for storytelling. The colour work is gorgeous throughout and there some moments that truly stand out from the crowd. I like seeing how a colour is chose and then to see the various hues and tones utilised to create the shading and shadows are well done.
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     What Cullen manages to do is make this feel like a debut. Not just a first issue but the debut of a character and considering that we've met her and she's established is nice little trick. It just showcases the level of storytelling this man is able to achieve. Valiant is very quietly continuing to put out some of these amazing titles utilising these dynamic and diverse characters as the book lead. I look forward to seeing where this creative team takes things as well seeing what I saw play out down the road. Roku is not longer a streaming stick or television it's now the hottest new character in comics!

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Monster Planet #1

10/30/2019

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Monster Planet #1
Zenescope Entertainment 2019
Written by Joe Brusha
Illustrated by Marcelo Mueller
Coloured by Maxflan Araujo
Lettered by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios

     PART ONE OF FIVE
     Mankind has all but been wiped out, decimated by a virus that turns us into primal beasts. Only a handful of humans are left struggling to survive in a hostile world. But scientists among them have discovered a way to cure the virus. To save us they must call on monsters of our nightmares—vampires, werewolves and worse—who hold the key to the cure. Now, one team is in a race against time to find the lord of the vampires and convince him to help save the thing he despises most...man.

     I have always said Joe was a great idea man and this first issue proves that to be true again. His writing is a bit hit or miss for me but so far he's doing a darn fine job of it. I like the fact that as far as I can tell this is a totally separate world from the Grimm Universe so that the impact of the characters we see and meet have a much greater influence on the reader. The opening here which is fabulous with it's narration and visuals shows us something that could have been either or world and then as the story goes on well it looks like it's stand alone.

     I like the way that this is being told. The way the story is structured and how the story & plot development works with releasing information to the reader. That we know so little is spot on since that engages the readers' vivid imaginations as to what could have occurred. And this my friends, and frenemies, means we want to see more, come back for more and that's precisely what it should do. The character development is pretty phenomenal and I really like how actions speak louder than words here in how these people are fleshed out as individuals. The pacing is strong and it carries us through the twists & turns, all of which is what creates this nice ebb & flow to the story.

     The idea of a virus causing this is one that I really like. We have seen stories where viruses cause the Zombie Apocalypse or just plainly kill off a large portion of the planet, so to see it given a different outcome is the kind of originality that will make a story more sought after.

     I am really impressed with Marcelo's linework and how he utilises the varying weights to create such beautiful attention to detail. The backgrounds of a city in ruins, decimated by fighting and the monsters it all has amazing, and I do mean amazing quality to it that really takes you there and you believe it. The creativity and imagination that is on display here is wonderful and to see the monsters and those that are in the supernatural world, I.E. werewolves and such, running for their very lives from these creatures and it's exciting to see what abominations he can create. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels along with some darn fine depth perception show this really talented eye for storytelling. The colour work is also really well done and the way the buildings are seen is sensational. The characters with their base colour and then the hues and tones within those utilised to create the shading and shadows is extremely nice to see. How light sources are utilised and even the darkness itself and especially in moments like that ballroom this is the kind of work a person remembers.
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     I have to say this is a sensational first issue introduction to a story. The writing, characterisation and plot development/advancement alongside this stupendous interiors really make this something you should be taking home with you. If you think you know Zenescope think again because this might just change your mind about them.

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Chrononauts Future Shock #1

10/30/2019

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Chrononauts Future Shock #1
Image Comics 2019
Written by Mark Millar
Illustrated by Eric Canete
Coloured by Giovanna Niro
Lettered by Peter Doherty
Letter Assists by Melina Mikulic


     THE BOYS ARE BACK. CHRONONAUTS returns with FUTURESHOCK, as time-travelling physicists Corbin Quinn and Danny Reilly attempt to conquer the future with their new machine—The Timehawk. A little older but none the wiser, the best friends return for their biggest mission yet!

     Just a warning, all four issues have been released today but this is just concentrating on the first issue. While I am not sure how I feel about this, releasing four issues in one day, versus just putting an OGN out instead we'll see how it all plays out. So here we go with issue one.

     I love the idea of the Chrononauts and these two have that buddy bromance down pat, thanks to Mark, and it really is fun to see them again. This issue as we see them trying to break the barrier which will take them to the future we have an added bonus to the book in that the opening shows us there are others who have found a way through time and we see them do something that well, should be fundamentally wrong. So will this event or non-event as the case may be have any consequences in this story remains to be seen but if you read this carefully enough there is one person who may have the answer!

     I love the way that this is being told as Mark is a master storyteller and the way he take the story & plot development and how that releases information to the reader is sensational. The way he structures the story so that the sequence of events that we witness make complete sense, and in a time-travelling story that's pretty amazing. The character development here is marvellous indeed. The boys may be a tad older but I'll be darned if they aren't still the same two guys we remember. Even with the differences and how they've grown I like that fundamentally they remain the same. It's a great thing to see them growing and evolving while still being who we know. The pacing is excellent and how it reveals the twists & turns and even a huge revelation or two keeps us constantly guessing. The overall ebb & flow to the book is superb and it's so nice to see the introduction of new characters and familiar faces.

     This time around we've got a new artist on board and I have to say I really like what I am seeing here. The opening is so utterly dynamic, eye catching and wondrous that just seeing this makes you want to see more. The linework here is Ç'est Magnifique! I mean seriously now how we see the rain and the pools of water it creates, the backgrounds with all that technical whatnot, kind of like seeing Buck Rogers or Battlestar Galactica stuff. It is so well rendered and with so much attention to detail it shows his skill and talent at being able to utilised the varying weights of the linework beautifully. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows his extraordinary eye for storytelling. The colour work here too is phenomenal to see. The way the lights have that effect with them, the way the colour is utilised to show motion of the ship and the way hues and tones are utilised to create shading and shadows this is some damn good work.
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     Sigh I think that it has been way too long since we've had a Chrononauts story and now we have a complete one. Though I have not read the others yet. I love this, it's like welcoming old friends at your door and it feels like it is something we need to see on a regular basis. I am already excited to read the rest of the story arc, time travel never looked so good, interesting and not a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff.

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The No Ones #05

10/29/2019

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The No Ones #05
Cave Pictures Publishing 2019
Written by Jim Krueger
Illustrated by Well-Bee
Lettered by Simon Bowland


     The team remains at odds, some of them fighting to undo the curse that has erased their existence, some taking advantage of the curse to gain more power. Meanwhile, Ripple continues pulling everyone's strings, putting his own dark plan into place without caring about the collateral damage. All of this comes to a head in an epic battle in Times Square that changes everything.

     This still remains unrivalled in my mind as there isn't another book, this intense, this well constructed and executed or even illustrated that I can find on stands today. The pure enjoyment factor that is associate with the title alone is phenomenal. Whenever I mention this someone invariably proclaims how much they are enjoying this as well and that a little book from a largely unknown publisher can evoke such fandom is what it's all about to me. This shows that you don't have to be at either of the “Big 2” to have the best book around and also why I keep telling everyone to look at those publishers you've not heard and pick up at least one title and give it a try.

     The way that this story is being told is phenomenal. The story & plot development has been amazing and how the reader learns information as things move forward is so well done. Every thing we see is in place in a way that is structured but flows incredibly natural at the same time, it's an interesting dichotomy to me. The character development here is extraordinary and that we've had time over the run thus far to really get to know these people and find those that we like, don't like and wish we could see more of. With the pacing of the story we see the twists & turns and a major revelation all of which create this ebb & flow that is serene like the inside the eye of a hurricane. The whole thing has the undertones that something is going to explode at any moment and adds to the feelings of excitement and tension.

     I really like how I, as a reader, experience this story. Without a critical eye, hell even with one, there is so much in this book and how the characters are presented and the overall themes that we see throughout make me excited, the give me hope for what is still possible and coming in the industry. It is a rare book nowadays that really lights up someone's eyes when seeing the cover, that feeling of an adrenaline rush and this doesn't happen that often.

     Well-Bee is a revelation every time that I see a new issue of his work. I am blown away page by page of this book at the level and quality of the interior artwork. As much as Jim is able to write in a way that makes you feel sensations and emotions, Well-Bee takes those to a brand new level and gives that kinetic, feel of motion, energy that courses throughout the book. You can feel the chaos from what you see on the pages and the linework and the colour work that are so in sync with each other carry the story to a high level. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show and extraordinary eye for storytelling. The utilisation of backgrounds that we see not only enhance the moments and show powers in play but help with depth perception and bringing a size and scope to the book. The colours with their hues and tones creating the shading and shadows is beautifully rendered.
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     The moral of the story, the lesson these characters need to learn and how it's gone about as well as what can be done about it have introduced us to a world we never imagined existed. It also makes us want to see more, with two possible outcomes there is that opportunity to explore either or both. What has been created here is something that can be gone to time and again either with solo stories or as a team and regardless of what it may be people will flock to it. This is one of the most creative, original, dynamic and insanely illustrated books to come out in quite some time.

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Monster World The Golden Age #4

10/29/2019

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Monster World The Golden Age #4
American Gothic Press 2019
Story by Philip Kim
Written by Holly Interlandi
Illustrated by Piotr Kowalski
Coloured by Dennis Calero
Lettered by Jenn Pham

     Three hell-demons and an army of possessed townsfolk descend upon the last farm left in Boise City, Oklahoma, with only a shotgun, a strange boy's powers, and a detective's wits standing in the way. It's going to get bloody.

     The more that I read of this the more I want to see. Which is a darn good thing because there is something about Cole's origin and how Hank has involved himself and the arrival of the three make for some damn fine reading. While I know Philip came up with the story but it's Holly who shines with the writing here. She really has opened this up for us so we can connect with the story and the characters in some wonderful ways. Plus anytime anyone adds the supernatural into a story, and I am counting Angels and Demons among that, then I am automatically going to be a fan! However, having done it in this manner blew my mind and excites me like no-ones business.

     The way that this story is being told through the story & plot development as the reader is presented with these situations and how we learn information is exceptional work. The character development as well continues to be top notch as Cole, his parents and even Hank keep getting fleshed out more and more. I like how seeing Cole's parents react to their situation is something we can relate to and it just has this ring of authenticity to them that makes them not just likeable but dare I say lovable as well. With the pacing we see all the twists and turns and maybe a revelation or two being brought to light. The creates a great ebb & flow to the book as well as highlighting the way we see this structured. All in all what we see here just isn't enough, we need more, we crave more, more pages, more story whatever it is it is as addictive as any drug or cigarette.

     To say that the enjoyment factor here is anything less than amazing is an understatement. Seeing how all this unfolds and to hear the dialogue and banter between characters is what makes or breaks a story. Here it makes it as we see honest reactions to the stimuli which by the way is presented in such a way that it's easy to see why Cole reacts his way. Hank's presence is one that is an oddity and while he possesses the staff he's really nothing more than a witness at this juncture. So I am looking forward to how he manages to handle himself with these new arrivals.

     Piotr is one of the all-time greatest artists/illustrators in comics today. What this man can do as he brings his imagination and creativity to life through the manipulation of the various weights in the linework is extraordinary. The quality and level of detail that we see here puts so many others to shame and that he understands how important backgrounds are to a story is phenomenal. The composition inside the panels with the backgrounds and how we see depth perception and scale is amazing. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a masterful eye for storytelling. The colour work here is gorgeous a well and it's nice to see that base colour and the myriad of hues and tones within it utilised to create shading and shadows. Or like the wood that the house is made of and how it's weathered looking that is bloody brilliant stuff.
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     American Gothic Press may not put out a lot of books but what they do release is always, always among the best of the best that you'll find. From the strength of the writing to the level and quality of the interiors here showcase why I love comics in all it's glorious pages.  ​

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Second Coming #04

10/29/2019

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Second Coming #04
Ahoy Comics 2019
Written by Mark Russell
Illustrated by Richard Pace
Finisher on Sunstar Pages Leonard Kirk
Colourist on Sunstar Pages Andy Troy
Lettered by Rob Steen

     Jesus Christ is missing! Sunstar recruits a team of lesser costumed heroes (who resent his great power) to assist him in the search for the Son of God! Plus the usual AHOY prose fiction, beautifully illustrated.

     I am so not sure how these guys are doing this but this is not only and in-depth look at society today with all that entails but it's also funny as all get out. The balance between what Jesus sees, what he is really about and how disappointed he is with the whole Superhero who's basically a god from another planet and his woes which make things contrastingly funny. With everything that is happening it should make Sunstar think more about who he is, what his life is like and why he acts without thinking. Meanwhile the real unsung hero in this book is Sheila if I am going to be honest, while the heroes are out doing their thing she's the one who uses her sources as a reporter to find where Jesus has been.

     I love the way that this is being told, Mark does such an amazing job with the story & plot development and how he releases information to the reader. How he manages to structure the book and how he is able to draw the reader in so fully. The character development is outrageously good and it's nice to see how the characters in issue one are changing and evolving into who we see now. With the pacing here, which is phenomenal by the way, we see the twists, turns and revelations come about and create this really interesting ebb & flow to the book. While the book has it's serious moments for sure and how we see Jesus coping with and talking with his new friend Larry it's balanced out beautifully with Sunstar and his posse and not to mention the other godly appearances. To find out more about those you'll have to read the book.

     I was reticent to read this, being a good Jewish boy and all, but with how this story is being told and how we see things being said and the encounters that the characters have I couldn't be any happier to say this is a stellar book. This is universally what I think of when I that Jesus was a person, though not the son of God.

     The interiors here are simply divine to see. What Richard does with the Jesus segments and how it has this scratchy linework to it really is a true treat. It has that grittiness to it that is somehow more personable, shows more feeling and has great character to it. The Sunstar moments have that more mainstream comics look, tone and feel and the dichotomy of the two couldn't be any more pronounced and impactful. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a true talent for storytelling. I love how backgrounds are being utilised here and how they enhance the moments and bring this sense of size and scope to the book. The colour work is sensational to see. Again the differences in segments couldn't be any different and Jesus' robe looks like it was highlighted by erasing what was there and that alone is outstanding. With the other segments we see the traditional work and it's nicely done as the colours with their hues and tones create shading and shadows.

     On a personal note the last page cliffhanger ending, whoa baby that is what I call a Daddy! I mean damn son that is grrrr eat.  Also it reminds me of a model I know.
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     This is so gosh darn good that it's almost scary. So good on Ahoy for picking it up when DC got scared of the political ramifications because this could very well sweep an awards ceremony with ever last creator involved. What we see, what we are reminded of and how we as a modern society have really not evolved as humans is something every last person on the planet should be reading this book.

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Bad Reception #3

10/29/2019

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Bad Reception #3
Aftershock Comics 2019
By Juan Doe


     The popularity contest of life is exposed when the remaining guests realise they’re being hunted down in the order of their social media ranking. The more followers you have, the bigger the target on your back. Now, the killer dubbed “Hashtag” isn’t the only predator — in order to survive, your fellow guest may turn out to be just as dangerous.

     Well, well, well it would seem that Juan's already taking this to the next level. The premise here is a modern horror lover's dream come true as it is and I can already see this making a huge hit in the box office. They may not be able to fully envision what Juan can through his artwork but what we are seeing here is so bloody brilliant that it screams out for your attention. The way that this is written with it's story & plot development and how the reader gets the release of information is too marvellous for words. The way we see the characters, the way they meet their fate and the idea that is made clear this very issue just keeps us on the edge of our seats. The character development is outstanding and I have to be honest the more the characters get fleshed out the harder their demise is going to hit. With the pacing and how it shows us the twists, turns and revelations manages to create a sensational ebb & flow to the book.

     Oh the chef should never ever be one of the victims because they usually way too cool, relaxed and easy going. With Ignacio opening up this issue it is one of the most interesting ones I have had the pleasure of seeing. This is literally perfect in every way and I am sorry but we may be three issues in now but this opening beats Drew's opening in the original Scream. Jurek has already become a favourite of mine and while this is a Mature Readers title I wish we'd seen what he's packing because dude is huge and that Fookin right accent we all create in our minds yeah he's just awesome!

     That brings me to the next point I would like to make. It is barely a quarter of the way in and already me as a reader is going off-script in so many various ways. This for me is always the sign that the writer has the right skills and talent when it comes to storytelling. The fact that Juan is doing the writing, art and lettering well that's just mad respect fro me. So they've discovered the first kill and the game is officially underway so this is when the character development kicks into overdrive and I have to admit it is not at all what I was expecting and I love that!

     The more I see of Juan's work on the interiors the more I am beginning to really like it. That ugly ass thing sticking up from Blaise's head aside because that's just plain wrong and pretty darn stupid looking, though all types man-buns should be banned. The colours and art that open up the book are phenomenal and everywhere we look depending on the room or location the lighting dictates the mood and it's done beautifully. I wish there were more attention to detail, like we see in the trees or the outside of the chalet. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a nice solid eye for storytelling. I really appreciate how we see backgrounds being utilised here as they expand the moments and bring a great size and scope to the story.
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     If one thing can hold true it's that once they find the first dead body then everything will start moving faster and faster. So all this means is that there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide and no way to call for help. Off The Grid wedding of the century? Maybe but only if there's anyone left alive to tell the tale about it. A gripping thriller in the vein of modern slasher films with a smartly written and interesting illustrated take but be prepared because nothing is what seems and you can't trust anyone!

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Doctor Mirage #3

10/28/2019

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Picture
Doctor Mirage #3
Valiant Entertainment 2019
Written by Magdalene Visaggio
Illustrated by Nick Robles
Coloured by Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by Dave Sharpe

     Doctor Mirage’s mind-bending mystery to the other side leads her to a frightening new foe!  How death-defying is Doctor Mirage? Featuring the first appearance of a terrifying new villain! Enter: the Embalmer!

     I love the opening here and a huge shoutout to Dave for being able to bring Hieroglyphs into the comic this way. The narration when it begins in English is incredibly well done and the whole idea of an afterlife and those religions that showcase what happens after death. I do find it interesting that Egyptian gods were chosen for this of all the pantheons that have guardians in death. Kudos however for this choice it makes for interesting reading that's for sure.

     What Magdalene does right away is not only take the reader on this amazing journey but she engages their mind as well. I thought of other gods of death and who else could have been seen, this shows that Magdalene really understands how to draw a reader into the story and engage their mind so that they become a part of the story. The way that we see this being told through the story & plot development and how we see the release of information is exceptionally well done. The character development here is flawless and I am enjoying seeing the relationship between these two as it grows and evolves. As frustrating as it is for Shan I find it incredibly fun to see the banter between them. When we look at the pacing here we see all the twists, turns and possibly a revelation or two added to the mix. All of this creates such an interesting ebb & flow to the book.

     I always wondered why we'd get this look at what appeared to be the television show here. Yes Shan talked about the show at the beginning and yes it makes sense that it could be seen this way but there's no one filming and I feel as if there is more to that than meets the eye at this point. I am also beginning to wonder if she's even dead at all, I mean she should be able to see Hwen if she were and she wouldn't need this girl as a guide. What is up with that how is this girl on her medication able to come here and be a guide? There's something happenin here and what it is ain't exactly clear, there's a snake with a grudge over there, telling me, I got to beware. Seriously there is something wonky going on here, I think on some level Shan knows this and playing this scenario out is the only way to come out of it.

     Oh my stars and garters what Nick and Jordie are doing with the interiors here is so bloody brilliant that I cannot contain myself. The sheer size and scope of the imagination and creativity that is on display here would've made the psychedelic posters of the 60's jealous. You could literally spend hours just combing through the pages lost in the details and be mesmerised by what you see. It is almost as if you have to be sure you haven't missed something. Never have I seen interior pages quite like this before and the power behind what it holds is simply stunning. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off Nick's stupendous eye for storytelling. Oh I almost forgot the linework and how the varying weights are utilised to create the attention to detail that we see is inspiring. The colour work, wow I mean what else can you say? I love seeing the base colour and the all these hues and tones within it utilised to create this shading and shadows. Even the dark pages have this vibrancy infused into them that is simply divine.
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     I love what Magdalene is doing here. She is not only writing this amazing story but she's had me in my own head asking questions, thinking about all kinds of things that aren't on the page and has me so thoroughly involved, invested and engaged. I can't get enough of this and while I was wondering what kind of story Magdalene was going to be telling I couldn't have imagined anything close to this so she has my vote to keep doing arcs for as long as she thinks she has stories to tell. Oh and keep the entire team together too.

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