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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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Van Helsing vs. Dracula's Daughter #3

10/28/2019

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Van Helsing vs. Dracula's Daughter #3
Zenescope Entertainment 2019
Written by Raven Gregory
Illustrated by Allan Otero
Coloured by Robby Bevard
Lettered by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios


     Hot on the trail of the monster responsible for stealing the bones of her greatest enemy, Helsing will learn first-hand that the threat she now faces may be the greatest threat of all.

     One of the things about this that I love dearly is that the greatest men of fictional horror have these amazing female descendants who inevitably end up with Robyn and Liesel. Case in point our favourite scientist Julie Kenzie Jekyll who is a biochemist specialising in blood. Granted while it is true that the friends in either woman's life don't tend to live or stick around for long here's hoping that will not be true of Julie.

     I like the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see here and how information is released is very well done. We see the focus of the issue clearly and after the events of last issue it is a welcome sight to see Julie doing what she does best. The character development is phenomenal and this is something Raven has always done exceedingly well. Watching Julie work, listening to her inner dialogue and then watching her go find her friend is everything we could hope for and more. Her work, her commitments and her idea of friendship plus her actions all work together beautifully to flesh her out before our eyes. When we factor how the pacing takes us through the story revealing the twists, turns and even revelations they create this great ebb & flow to the book. The sheer fact that Raven is able to weave so many different things going on here and make them into this cohesive as he inserts events into the story is sensational.

     With this issue especially the way we see Julie is as a supporting character. Someone who is interesting, dynamic, brainy and beautiful but she isn't centre stage star material. She shouldn't be either I love that she is who she is, how she fits into her role in Liesel's life and work. It is nice to see that not everyone introduced is one who should be spun into a book of their own. Also that I have thought about this as deeply as I have is because Raven took me off-script and had my mind wander with the possibilities of this character. I have said it time and again that when a writer is able to do this at this level, meaning my musing, there is more than a modicum of talent on display.

     The interiors here are fantastic! The linework is shows a sure, strong and steady hand as it utilises the varying weights to create this really superb attention to detail here. Also I have commend the way that backgrounds are being utilised here as well. The detail is stellar and the way they enhance the moments and bring a sense of size and scope to the book is marvellous. Also the composition inside the panels with the way foregrounds and backgrounds are seen create this nice depth perception as well. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a super strong eye for storytelling. The colour work here is gorgeous and how we see a base colour and the hues and tones within it create shading and shadows is extremely well done.
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     While I still don't understand why they wear next to nothing when fighting, more so with Vampires, I do have to say that I really like the way that this story is being told. I do not like what happened to Jonathan and Mina but and this is a huge but I will be okay with it, after all they were really just two folks who had history with Liesel. When Hades comes back, huge hint, maybe he can bring them as well. I like this and continues the idea that Zenescope is telling more mature stories that don't centre on T&A but strong, solid storytelling.
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Lola XOXO vol.3 #3

10/28/2019

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Lola XOXO vol.3 #3
Aspen Comics 2019
By Siya Oum
Lettered by Dezi Sienty


     | PREVIOUSLY |
     Lola was finally reunited with her father, but like all things in The Wasteland, their reunion was cut short by the brutal survivalist realities of the apocalypse. Meanwhile in The Divide, the internal strife was no less vicious within their ranks, as an insurmountable rebellion led by Rega, a new leader amongst the despondent, spilled out into the town square…

     Any book that is able to draw the reader in, make them feel or seethe with emotion is one that definitely needs to be on your reading list. What Siya is doing here what she has created in this incredibly unique version of life after the apocalypse is nothing short of miraculous. People on the surface some of whom yes are deformed from what happened and others are not. The people who weren't so lucky to be living underground, or is that lucky they weren't?, are rebuilding in their own tribes, having and raising children and crops. Life will find a way after all.

     This issue we get to see a fair bit of what's happening underground and it's not pretty. I do not understand why when there is a tale such as this we need a character who is so repulsive, so without morals, feelings and understanding. Why can't Rega just be a woman scorned instead of this repulsive creature who wishes nothing more than to kill, destroy and be seen as a God? She has no real knowledge of what is happening in the world, she only knows what wants and that's bloodthirsty revenge for something that there is no cause for. The fact that she is soulless and reprehensible beyond belief is something of a marvel. After all to be able to write such a character, so convincingly as to enrage the reader wishing they could be there to experience the joy of silencing her once and for all is exceptional.

     The story & plot development that we see within these page with how we learn what is happening in the release of information exceeds my expectations. The character development is astonishingly strong, well thought out and executed sot that we see these people for who they are and why they do what they do. Factoring in the pacing and the twists, turns and revelations come at you from all angles creating one heck of an ebb & flow for the story. Pieces are beginning to fall into place and the best laid plans of mice and men will be upon them soon.

     The interiors here are utterly gorgeous! The linework is fabulous and the way that they make way for the watercolour's is sensational to see. The attention to detail here is phenomenal and how we see faces, facial expressions and body language throughout the book serve to give the characterisation that little extra that words alone cannot convey. The backgrounds we see are wonderfully done and even if they are simply brush stokes of colour representing trees or whatnot it all seems to work in concert with each other beautifully. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a great eye for storytelling. The sense of scale could be a tad better but who's to complain about that.
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     While I doubt that this will end with the next few issues but this is the pivotal arc that will lead into the next one that could quite possible determine the fate of this world and those who live in it. Can Lola do what she's out to do, again?, or will lady luck be somewhere else on this fateful day? Can Isaac and Mike come to an understanding before it's too late or will Rega be able to follow through with her demented plans for the Wastelands? Siya has made this all kinds of interesting, exciting and with so many different layers in play everywhere you look there's bound to be something new to gaze upon and marvel.
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Omni #3

10/28/2019

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Omni #3
Humanoids 2019
Written by Devin Grayson
Illustrated by Alitha E. Martinez & Chris Eliopoulos
Coloured by Bryan Valenza
Lettered by A Larger World Studios


     A young doctor suddenly and mysteriously acquires superpowers... as do several other individuals on the planet. But only her power can answer why. A gifted doctor with a vibrant, compassionate personality, Cecelia Cobbina received boundless praise from her peers and her patients. But that was before the incident in Africa. Before she was forced to leave her job at Doctors Without Borders behind... Before she gained the ability to think at superhuman speed. Overwhelmed with the power to answer every question, she must now overcome her own fears and tackle the one code she can't seem to break: the truth behind the Ignited.

     This is one of my top five must read books now. The way that this is being told through the story & plot development, the release of information and how we see Cecelia's power in action is utterly sensational. Not to mention she's this amazingly strong female lead who has no true arrogance behind what she does. She is the kind of person you'd love to be around which of course is why Mae will always be by her side. The kind of loyalty she instils is superbly demonstrated throughout each issue. Then of course there is the character development and as Cecelia learns to control her powers more and more and how she interacts with others giving everyone a chance to be seen as well rounded individual is phenomenally well rendered. With the pacing of the book we see how the twists, turns and revelations come at us in some truly wonderful and unexpected ways. All this creates such a dynamic and interesting ebb & flow to the book.

     I like how we see the opening here. As a handful of kids take on ICE soldiers and in some truly remarkable outside the box thinking kind of ways. What is even better is that throughout the book we see how others who are developing powers and the same style of thinking is applied, meaning the scenes are nothing like you'll expect. Also the dialogue is so bloody brilliant throughout and there is some cheekiness to what we see that just adds enjoyment to what could be an explosive situation. The writing here is so solid and so well executed that this doesn't feel written at all it feels like we are witnessing their lives unfold naturally.

     The interiors here are gorgeous! I love the linework that we see it shows a sure and steady hand and the way that the varying weights are being utilised so that the attention to detail shines through is amazing. The way we see the composition inside the panels and how the backgrounds are utilised as well the foregrounds to show depth perception is extraordinary. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a masterful eye for storytelling. The backgrounds we see here are utterly delightful and they enhance the moments and bring a sense of size and scope to the book. The colour work is beautifully done as well. I like how we see the base colour and then the hues and tones within it to create shading and shadows. The purple and all it's shades utilised to showcase powers and in Cecelia's case a myriad of colours is just stupendous to see.
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     Of all the books in this line so far I think this one is the most intelligently written and brilliantly illustrated. I will say this with the premise here and how it is being executed and how seeing just how many new powered people there are on this world there is a definite feeling of excitement. Watching a super-powered world come to life when previously there have been none is sensational. Humanoids is making the world of super-heroes exciting again.
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Shows End #3

10/28/2019

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Show's End #3
Mad Cave Studios 2019
Written by Anthony Cleveland
Illustrated by Jef Sadzinski
Coloured by Julian Gonzalez
Lettered by Justin Birch


     After the devastating death of Flipsy and her subsequent burial at Show's End, Daxton Rickles' World Famous Circus of Oddities and Curiosities hits the road, and with the show running out of money, everything depends on Loralye and her "sharp" performance!

     I am beginning to think that this should have been a six issue run instead of five. I am on the verge of feeling that this issue was rushed to put enough into it to make the story fit. I am all for the character development that we are seeing here but there's that tickle in the back of my throat feeling about this. Something may be wrong, it might be nothing just slept with the mouth open and you don't know. This to me is something that I notice but I don't necessarily feel as if it effects the outcome so much, more of an observation from a critical mind.

     I like the style of storytelling that happens early on with Loralye writing in her journal narrating what is going on around her. It is a great way to see the other members through her eyes and have the opportunity to learn more about them. This part of the character development I think works in spades because it gives us that base personality and we can get that glimpse of what makes them special and how that effects their behaviour as well. It also sets up a lot of what we'll be seeing in this story as it moves forward.

     The story & plot development that we see here and we see things through the release of information is very well done. I also like the layering we see in this as well with multiple arcs running simultaneously and each impacting the others in it's own peculiar way. I already mentioned the character development so let's add the pacing into the mix as it reveals these twists and turns, not to mention a revelation or three all of which creates a really nice ebb & flow the book. I will say that Loralye is a unique young lady and I have very mixed feelings about what she's done this issue regarding Pavel the pig boy. The boy likes to steal and I am not sure what was done was right but then again who is to say it's wrong, still it doesn't sit well with me. This is the power of storytelling though and if the reader can become so engaged in a story that things make them uncomfortable or question what they see then the writer is doing an exemplary job.

     The interiors here are pretty darn solid. The linework here is strong and how it's varying weights are being utilised to create this kind of attention to detail is really nice to see. The faces, facial expression and body language are rendered in such a way that it's furthers the characterisation beautifully. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a nice eye for storytelling. The fact that we see backgrounds utilised as often and effectively as we do is something I love to see as they enhance the moments and bring a nice size and scope to the book. Okay no I am not sure what is going on with Loralye's dress here. I know it's Pink but is there a black design on it or not? There is so much shading within her outfit it's hard to tell if those jagged lines lead down to the tutu are supposed to be that solid black creating a design or is that shading? It bothered me the entire time we see it. Otherwise I really like the way we see the colour work here. The white against his light brown skin, the colourful array of outfits.

     What I didn't know about this is this is Mad Cave's debut book by Talent Search winners. I think that makes it all the more impressive to see the level and quality of work here and how much we will see this improve as they do more sequential storytelling. I am enjoying the book very much and while it's got kinks to iron out the idea is wonderful and it's well executed.
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     Mad Cave is small but mighty, like the little engine that could or the ant moving that rubber tree plant. There is a wonderful indomitable feeling about them, their books and the way go about their business. Treat yourself to any of their titles and see why I think they are the exciting new publisher we've been waiting for.
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G.I. Joe #2

10/27/2019

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G.I. Joe #2
IDW Publishing 2019
Written by Paul Allor
Illustrated by Chris Evenhuis
Coloured by Brittany Peer
Lettered by Neil Uyetake

     Cobra is in command, and the world is one minute closer to midnight. To fight back, GI Joe is recruiting civilians and training them as spies, assassins and saboteurs. But these are dark times for GI Joe. Duke, their beloved head trainer, is dead, shot down in the street by Major Bludd. Tiger, their most recent recruit, is a brash and unpolished addition to the team, who destroyed a mission and alienated himself from his fellow Joes. Roadblock, a field team member, just killed a man for the first time, and is still reeling from it. And General Hawk, their leader, has delivered terrible news: the United States has surrendered to Cobra, leaving GI Joe with no support and an uncertain future.

     I am such a fan of the G.J. Team and it's all come about in the last 18 years, which is really odd to say out loud. So having watched them change companies, change directions and to see the shift in power has been a real joy to witness. At this point in time Cobra is in charge of the United States and General Hawk isn't about to admit defeat and surrender. So the Joe's have gone underground, recruiting those they meet who possess the talent, skill and bravery to stand up to the current regime. Last issue we met Tiger as well as saw the death of Duke but life must go on and there's no time to take for grieving. What Paul is starting here is really quite awe inspiring and it gives us hope for what he has in store.

     The way that this story is being told and how we get the information leaked to us as events unfold is extremely well done. I mean General Hawk's long-winded speech that runs throughout the book and culminates in one hell of a cliffhanger ending is balanced between Scarlett, Tiger and the rest of his team's ongoing struggles. The character development that accompanies this is fabulous as we see the emotional strain and impact on the characters. The personalities and their struggles come through crystal clear and it quite easy to see those we like, those we don't and who among we can relate to the most. With the pacing of the story we see these twists, turns and revelations come at us fast and furious kind of like being in the with Canelo Alvarez. All of this in turn creates this ebb & flow to the story that makes it feel amazing to read.

     I will admit that Chris might not have been my first choice, however, he is doing some of the best work I have ever seen from him here. It is a little animated adventures for me but at the same time the linework and how he's able to utilised the varying weights to show this superb attention to detail is fabulous! I am kind of in love with the faces and facial expressions here and I could stare at them for hours. That we see backgrounds utilised as we do showing us this sense of size and scope of where they are and how they enhance the moments is so well done. The composition inside the panels where we see the angles, perspective and depth perception show such a talented eye for storytelling as he manages to utilise these page layouts so effectively. The colour work that we see as it is utilised to define musculature through the clothing is nice to see. The hues and tones that we see within a colour to show that shading and shadows is very well rendered.

     The only time we see Cobra forces at work is with Duke on the table. Mindbender and Bludd are both incredibly scary individuals and that they both feel that way about each other shows some mad respect. While he may be gone it would be something to see Mindbender be able to reanimate his brain, not zombie style, but bring him back through his crazy experiments in the vain hope that he can garner information on what the Joe's are doing and where they are.
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     This book is amazing. From start to finish, how we see the characters, good, bad or indifferent and what roles they are to play here is so well constructed. With the franchise growing, changing and evolving as it does it remains at the top of my reading list.
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Going to the Chapel #2

10/27/2019

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Going to the Chapel #1
Action Lab Danger Zone 2019
Written by David Pepose
Illustrated by Gavin Guidry
Coloured by Liz Kramer
Lettered by Ariana Maher

     As the police swarm the chapel, conflicted bride Emily must make a fateful choice — go through with her wedding, or team up with the Bad Elvis Gang to evade the bonds of holy matrimony. What could possibly go wrong? Unfortunately, playing both sides isn’t as easy as it looks…

     Well now this couldn't be going any better if it had been planned this way. I think the opening here is a huge tell about how Emily actually feels about all this. Gavin does an amazing job with the last panel of the first page and this, this says everything we need to know in one single solitary shot. This is how beautifully done this book is that we can see and read exactly what is happening through the teamwork by the creative team is extremely well done. Also this is why I love Action Lab because not only do they take chances but they encourage creators to be themselves, tell their stories and this is what we get as a result.

     The way that this story is being told is fantastic and how we get the release of information so we don't know much in advance of when it's happening is one of my favourite ways to read a story. This means that the suspense we feel feel is what they experience as well. The character development here is fabulous and I love how we see the characters come to life through their actions, reactions and of course the dialogue. The more we see them the more they become fleshed out and we can see just who they are. With the pacing here we see how all this creates an amazing ebb & flow to the book with all the twists and turns, not to mention a revelation or two. This is how you write a story, engage the reader so they find themselves thinking about things not on the page and make them want to keep coming back time and time again.

     If I am not mistaken I do believe there is some tongue-in-cheek moments amidst the writing and I find this to be increasingly interesting. When people are under duress they say that is when their real personalities come through. If that is true then it surely shows within these pages and the way that David manages to put this black humour fun into a serious situation and makes you adore every last exchange.

     The interiors here are really nice. Gavin and Liz do a marvellous job on the interiors here as they bring these characters and situations to life. The linework is nice to see and we see the manipulation of the varying weights that create this really strong attention to detail. I am really impressed with the individuality of the guests and people overall in this book. The ethnicity, body types, ages you name it this is some great examples of diversity and how it works so seamlessly that it should be the norm. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a strong solid eye for storytelling. The way we see backgrounds here enhance the moments and bring a nice sense of size and scope to the story. The colour work here is really nice to see as well. While there is a lot of purple in the church I am okay with this, it's my favourite colour so all the hues and tones within the purple that we see is utterly marvellous. The way we see the shading and shadow work is sensational.
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     The way the story keeps unfolding and how we see the character reacting or acting as the case may be only serves to not just make this more complicated but amazingly interesting and fun. You could only hope that by being a kidnapped bride that your wedding could be this delightful fiasco.  ​
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Strikeforce #2

10/26/2019

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Strikeforce #2
Marvel Comics 2019
Written by Tini Howard
Illustrated by Germán Peralta
Coloured by Miroslav MRVA
Lettered & Designed by VC's Joe Sabino


     THE DEVIL’S CHILDREN IN THE CITY OF SIN!
     Something is very wrong with Daimon Hellstrom. And that’s saying something for the son of Satan. The only one who might be able to help is Daimon’s sister, Satana — but she’s no angel. Demons, debauchery and decapitation abound as Asgard’s X-Force takes on Las Vegas!

     Second verse same as the first, well no not at all and thank your lucky stars for that too. Tini is a godsend for this book as she really has this amazing mind for dialogue and banter between characters. First page and boom there is it, I do very much appreciate how we see Blade being all serious and taking charge like his while you can just sense that Angela is thinking she's allowing him to think so. Then of course one of my all-time favourite characters in Jessica Drew, she's a mum, super heroine and all around arse kicker but it's really her response to Blade that lights up my face. It is the little things in a series that make it or break it and this one so far has everything going for it and it just that “It” factor.

     The way that this is being told is utterly sensational. How we see the release of information, the introduction of new people and the general mood, tone and feel that we experience is so well done. The character development is bloody brilliant and it is in my belief one of the best reasons to be reading this. We all know who these characters are and are used to see them in a certain way and while that still remains Tini takes things to the next level while in this story. The pacing here showcases all the twists and turns that the book takes as well as a revelation or two along the way. So all of this combined is what makes the ebb & flow of this story feel so incredibly natural.

     That this grouping knows so little about each other is another aspect that makes this so exciting for me. We have a few very strong personalities here and a former leader of the main Avengers team and a very underrated powerhouse. So while this first arc is all about getting to know them and they each other I think Tini is doing an amazing job of it.
I am a huge fan of the interiors here. There is a kinetic feeling to what we see here that fuels the excitement of the story in some pretty solid ways, ones you won't know till you experience it. The linework is superb and Germán really does really takes full advantage of his ability to bring a level of detail to what we see. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a stellar eye for storytelling. The colour work here is extremely well done. I like how we see colours and the hues and tones within them to create the shading and shadows that we see is phenomenally rendered,
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     So far that we see these Vridai and what and where they have managed to infiltrate not mention where they are from is the centre of this current story. So I am going to assume this will be a five or six issue arc, for trade purposes, and after that who knows what's next for these guys. However as long as Tini continues to write this way I am not going anywhere. The way the story moves through the pages and the interesting premise under which they have come together makes for a jolly good time!
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You Are Obsolete #2

10/26/2019

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You Are Obsolete #2
Aftershock Comics 2019
Created & Written by Matthew Klickstein
Illustrated by Evgeniy Bornyakov
Coloured by Lauren Affe
Lettered by Simon Bowland

     Death seems to be everywhere when, after arriving on a quaint but eerie Eastern European island, a disgraced journalist following up on a peculiar story meets the leader of a group of odd, tech-obsessed children who evidently have a strange power over the frightened adults of the village.

     This is truly outrageous. This to me feels like Matthew went and took The Village of the Damned and made a modern version of it utilising current technology. While the kids don't really have power that we know of and Martina is so damn creepy that they don't powers when they have the technology. I am so damn impressed with what Matthew has come up with here, a base idea that's familiar and already inherently creepy and then updated it so it is even scarier in it's depth and scope of what these kids have access to.

     The story & plot development that we see here is extraordinarily good. There is this way about how the reader is given information so that we learn what we are given alongside Lyla. I love this technique because the surprises hit us harder and the way that encounter situations causes an authentic reaction from the reader. The character development that we are seeing is stupendous and how we manage to see the characters and some temporary baseline personalities that are set to grow, change and evolve is mesmerising. When we factor the pacing into the equation it takes on a journey through the twists, turns and revelations that are far worse than a haunted house on Halloween but one take willingly because it cannot be avoided, our curiosity that is.

     I am thoroughly enjoying the way that this story is being told and how it comes to life before our eyes. There is this incredulous way that we see the children behaving and on the opposite side Lyla is no innocent and there's a reason she's a disgraced journalist. From what we see within these pages however all I see is a woman who understands how to party. Both sides are kind of messed up but it is fun to see be that thing which reignites a passion and a fire in Lyla so she come out of her funk and get back into the game.

     I am kind of in love with Evgeniy and that's because of the work the man is doing. His linework is exquisite and the way he's able to manipulate the varying weights to create this strong and wonderful attention to detail finds a way to resonate within the reader. The composition we see inside the panels and how he shows us depth perception is superb work. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a stupendous eye for storytelling. The way he utilises his creativity and imagination is stellar and the way we see the Polaroids, the monitors, facial expressions and body language just give this story that extra punch. The colour work is astounding to see. I adore the way that we see a base colour and then how the hues and tones within that are utilised to create the shading and shadows. Whether is full colour dark and creepy, black & white flashbacks or the difference we see when she's with Kad everything works on every level.
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     This is nothing like you think it's going to be and it is everything you expect all in the same breath. The manner in which this is being told transcends genre specifics, it is capable of thrilling the reader, freaking them out and see a soft and tender moment in any and all combinations. Then of course there are the little things that we see as well and the history of this Island as seen through fresh and jaded eyes that we need to remember for you never know what or where inspiration will strike. Though I think it's already struck with Matthew, Evgeniy, Lauren and Simon as this is the kind of bold and daring storytelling that I expect from Aftershock.
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Eternal Thirst of Dracula Book 2 #2

10/26/2019

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Eternal Thirst of Dracula Book 2 #2
American Mythology Productions 2019
Mature Readers Title
Written by Mike Wolfer
Illustrated by E.V. Cantada
Coloured by Victorino Muyo Jr.
Lettered by Natalie Jane

     The heart-ripping, true tale of Dracula set in the 1970's Philippines continues! After their movie co-star Romy Verzosa is kidnapped by a vicious, female vampire, Van Hauser and Candy Brick know that the only way that they can save the life of their friend is to venture to Count Dracula's secluded, island fortress to give him the ransom that he demands... The secret journals of Abraham Van Helsing! But how can they possibly be prepared for the tropical hell that they are about to walk into, a steaming jungle isle populated by Dracula, his brides, and his unholy vampire gorillas? And can even Dracula be prepared when his sanctuary comes under attack by the hideous, vampire monster rivals who seek to destroy him?

     I hate that Wolfer guy because this is the best of all worlds when it comes to the genre. He manages to base in the “B-Move” world and then puts the mythology of Dracula and his enemies into the mix giving that proper horror scare element. This blending that we see in full glorious effect is really amazingly well done and doth my cap. I love this and the more we see the more there is to love about it. This is done by a true aficionado of Bram Stoker's rendition and everything else that was spawned from that over the ages. So if you get what I am saying then you'll want to be reading this because I will be damned if this isn't some of the best storytelling around right now.

     The story & plot development that we see here is sensational in how we see the release of information here. As we are introduced to characters in surroundings, situations and dealing with the reality of what they see Mike is able to really to convey so much. The character development here is outstanding as well. I love how we see these people continually being fleshed out more through the dialogue and more importantly how the act and react to those situations they find themselves in. the wit and banter here is so bloody good and we know when it's nervous or whether its honest and that's impressive as hell. With the pacing factored in we start to see the twists, turns and revelations coming at us with the impact of gale force winds which makes the ebb & flow that we see that much more interesting and exciting.
     The interior artwork here is beyond gorgeous. The fact that it's hard to tell whether is hand drawn or computer generated is impressive to me. Also I love the nudity here though I wish a man would be there in all glory as well. Though his bride, or one of them, is gorgeous and the way that the work is done with the colours, the hues and tones within that flesh colour, is stunning and just to see how the breasts look so completely natural, dayum. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a masterful eye for storytelling.

     The way we see backgrounds throughout is truly stupendous. The attention to detail in this is phenomenal and it beautifully crafts this sense of depth perception, size and scope in the story as well as enhancing the moments and bringing us this amazing mood, tone and feel to what we see. Good grief the colour work here blows my mind. There are times it looks painted and others just normal colouring and this kind of mixed media feel only makes this look better than you could have imagined. Seeing the various hues and tones within so many colours is beyond comprehension and how that's utilised throughout is bloody brilliant.
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     With this being the last issue in this arc it solidifies itself as a true breakaway hit in my opinion. There is literally nothing else on stands that can match the level of quality and talent we are seeing here.  ​
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Lady Death: Nightmare Symphony #1

10/25/2019

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Picture
Lady Death Nightmare Symphony #1
Coffin Comics 2019
Written by Brian Pulido & Mike MacLean
Illustrated by Anthony Spay
Coloured by Ceci de la Cruz
Lettered by Marshall Dillon

     Lady Death and the Hellraiders are headed to earth to fend off the extinction level villainy of The Sect and The Trinity, and certainly we will get to that crucial story, but first lets delve back into the past, before Lady Death's "Cursed Sleep" began two decades ago and discover what diabolical treachery occurred during a rare peaceful moment in the Lady's undead life...

     I love this book, I have been enamoured since the first time I laid eyes on my first Lady Death issue. She is one of the fiercest women you ever find and proudly strutting around in those heels and that two-piece makes her all the more so. My shop doesn't always get her books in but when they do one always finds it way home with me. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this when we see Ravenheart join the opening fray and what happens next. Though let's face it, if you aren't worked up for what's to come after a fight then you've got no libido or game.

     The story & plot development that we see unfolding here as the information is released and how this engages the reader. I know it engages me because I keep thinking she is in Hell, ruling and in that condition? All kinds of things rattle around in your head and various ideas and scenarios come into play so the fact that the boys have engaged their readers so completely is a testament to some nice sets of skill and talent. The character development is completely engaging as well and the way that these characters constantly grow, change and evolve all before our eyes well that's exactly the way it is supposed to be. When the pacing is added to all this we begin to see the severity of the twists and turns and well may be a revelation or two. All of this creates a damn good ebb & flow to the story.

     I am never disappointed by an issue of Lady Death and this is no different. Few books have the ability to make the reader go off-script as often as they do here, or with her in general. There are so many times I did in this issue alone and I have to say that it is one of those intangibles that keeps people coming back after they've been drawn in.
     
     Oh my goodness gracious glory be, heavens to murgatroyd are these interiors something to behold. The linework is stunning as Anthony shows off this amazingly strong, steady and sure hand as he utilises the varying weights to create some absolutely dynamic attention to detail. The creativity and imagination that we see is marvellous and respect for making the sex scene erotic and tasteful and not cheesy and tawdry. There is also the fact that a turret can be lovely while surrounded by such evil creatures that captures the readers' eye and mind. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show this stupendous eye for storytelling. Right now Ceci may be among one of the premiere colourists working today. She is able to take that base colour and show us the hues and tones within it as she creates these gradation effects as well as the shading and shadows they create.
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     There is always this great feeling of excitement and danger that comes with her and it's another part of why we love coming back. Just the way this is structured and how we see events unfold as the stakes get raised is beautifully handled. Plus the way the book ends leave you no choice but to return to see how this comes out. Okay we want to see how this plays out as the outcome is somewhat guaranteed proving it's never the destination but the journey getting there.
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