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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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Barbarella #4

10/31/2021

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Barbarella #4
Dynamite Entertainment 2021
Written by Sarah Hoyt
Illustrated by Madibek Musabekov
Coloured by Ivan Nunes
Lettered by Carlos M. Mangual

    Having come face-to-shocking face with the identity of her would-be assassin, Barbarella’s quest has turned from merely combatting tyranny to one of survival! How handy that the two quests amount to one and the same. Barbarella and Vix follow the trail to Automata, a factory world populated solely by worker drones, which begs the question: do androids dream of electric freedom?

    I’m loving this series.  It isn’t the easiest thing in the world to convey that Barbarella oozes sex appeal, the visuals are good but it’s the writing alongside the interiors that really bring us the whole package.  The dialogue, the narration and more alongside a certain facial expression can change something from innocent to flirtatious in a matter of seconds and it’s knowing how to do this as well as the collaboration between writer and artist that makes this so effective.  I also like that this story engages the reader so we go off page and into our own minds and imagination as we look for answers or explanations as to what we see here.  I’m also hoping that this is going to be extended past its initial run because it’s just too gosh darn good to let end anytime soon, unless of course there are more arcs lined up behind this one then that’s okay.

    I’m loving the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  The character development that we see through the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter does a magnificent job in bringing their personalities to the forefront.  The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing more of the story the more we want to see and know.

    I greatly appreciate the way that we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen.  Personally I also like the way the layers within the story open up new avenues to be explored while old ones, avenues, are in the midst of being explored and what this does is add some great depth, dimension and complexity.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is immaculately rendered.  

    The interiors here are utterly gorgeous.  The linework is phenomenal and how we see the varying weights and techniques being utilised to create this level & quality of detail within the work throughout is outstanding.  We see some stellar use of backgrounds throughout the book as they enhance and expand the moments while also working within the composition of the panels to bring out the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story itself.  The attention to detail whether it is in the characters or the backgrounds is stunning to see.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a masterful eye for storytelling.  The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work shows a brilliant eye for how colour works.
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     I love this series for so many different reasons and while I’m fascinated by Taln it’s Vix that is the scene stealer with it’s dry British humour that I am such a fan of.  There is no denying that Barabarella is an iconic character and thanks to Dynamite I barely feel as if we’ve scratched the surface of her potential.  So far she’s been chasing an evil version of herself and seems to use her skills, wit, charm and smarts to avoid being killed, captured or harmed in any way.  Thanks to how we see this excellent writing and amazing characterisation alongside these stunning interiors are among the main reasons we want to see this series keep going and going.    

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Battlecats Vol.3 #4

10/31/2021

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Battlecats Vol.3 #4
Mad Cave Studios 2021
Written by Mark London
Illustrated by Michael Camelo
Coloured by Tekino
Lettered by Miguel A. Zapata

    Kelthan reconnects with Master Rautan at the White Marsh Islands and begins training as Kelthan begins the process of rebuilding his broken spirit. The Battlecats are sent on a quest by Queen Adastril to defeat the Eltoreq led Blood Priests responsible for the Blood Moon. Meanwhile, the Darkats wreak havoc across Valderia, searching for the Queen and the rebels looking to take Valderia back from the hands of Valadar!

    I’ve been really impressed with this arc and how well we are getting to see inside the Battlecats heads.  This has been a highly emotionally charged arc as it deals with the death of the King and the Usurper of the throne which throws the land into this chaotic state.  There’s way too much self-blame going on here and the Cats really need to pull together, get back together and finally get the Queen back upon her throne while we wait for the next in line to grow up.   That’s all fine and dandy but this is about the Cats picking up the pieces and learning to cope with their grief and just get it together in general.  I have to admit though we do see a lot of raw emotional storytelling happening here and it’s pretty damn glorious to witness.

    I am very much enjoying the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  The character development that we see through the narration, the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter does a marvellous job in bringing these always growing & evolving personalities to the forefront.  The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing more and more of the story the more anxious we become for what is next.

    I am a fan of the way that we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen.  That the layers open up new avenues to be explored are being done in a smart way to add this great depth, dimension and complexity to the story is superb.  The way that we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is impeccably rendered. 

    The interiors here are really well rendered.  The linework is great and how we see the varying weights and techniques being utilised to create the detail within the work that we see are very well rendered.  We could always see more backgrounds being used but what we do see does wonders in enhancing and expanding the moments.  They also work within the composition of the panels to bring out the depth perception, sense of scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the story.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a remarkably talented eye for storytelling.  The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work shows a great understanding of how colour works.

    Just the way that this is being told feels incredibly complete to me, and I mean a natural flow or progression of events that we see unfold.  Nothing feels left out, skimmed or glossed over and that is important when you talk about someone's skill, talent and verve as a writer.  Mark has steadily gotten better and better with each new issue of each new arc and to see him at the level he’s at now is phenomenal. The writing is superb and the characterisation is sharp while the interiors do a splendid job bringing it all to life beautifully.  

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Dark Blood #4

10/31/2021

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Dark Blood #4
BOOM! Studios 2021
Written by LaToya Morgan
Illustrated by Moisés Hidalgo
Coloured by A.H.G.
Lettered by Andworld Design

    Can Avery clear his name and find out what's really happening to him? On the run, Avery must elude the cops for the accidental death that he's sure to be blamed for. William, Avery's brother, tries to convince him to explain that it wasn't his fault, but Avery is sceptical the authorities will believe a Black man... and terrified at the possible truth behind the incident.

    The deeper we get into this story the more I feel for him.  He goes off fighting in the big war and has to come home to racism and such while he’s being experimented on by one his doctors.  Avery just isn’t having any kind of luck that isn’t bad and it gives him this whole Underdog feeling that we love rooting for.  Also I love that Avery is trying to protect his family by not going back to the house but shouldn’t he be leaving that up to her.  I mean she has a much right to say come or stay away as he does, regardless, Avery is a good man and we have seen this throughout the first four issues and I doubt that my opinion of him will waiver.

    I love how LaToya is telling this story.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceedingly well.  The character development that we see through the dialogue, the character interactions as well as how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter.  I do find it fascinating that Avery is such a gentle soul but watch out because now he’s a monster when he gets angry!  The pacing here is amazing and as it takes us through the pages revealing more of the story we really are getting a mighty fine look at the man Avery was, has become and is becoming.  

    I greatly appreciate the way that we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen.  How we see the layers open up new avenues to be explored, whether in the past or the present, and how they add such great depth, dimension and complexity to the story is marvellously rendered.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is impeccably achieved.  

    The interiors here are really rather quite stunning.  I mean I'm sorry but pages two and three sum up everything I love about what we see here.  The linework is phenomenal and how the varying weights and techniques are being utilised to create all this wonderful detail we see within the work is extraordinary.  There is some great use of backgrounds throughout the book and they enhance and expand the moments perfectly.  They also work within the composition of the panels to bring out the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a remarkably talented eye for storytelling.  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is achieved excellently.  
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    This is a really provocative, poignant and powerful story that isn’t pulling its punches when it comes to how Avery has been treated his entire life.  With such intelligent writing and characterisation wrapped up in these expressive interiors is taking us on that roller coaster called life.  Avery’s life that is and there’s so much more going on than we’re privy to and I for one like that we learn alongside the characters instead of knowing ahead of time.   

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Moon Knight #4

10/31/2021

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Moon Knight #4
Marvel Comics 2021
Written by Jed MacKay
Illustrated by Alessandro Cappuccio
Coloured by Rachelle Rosenberg
Lettered by VC’s Cory Petit

    A NIGHT IN THE LIFE! 
     From waking till midnight, Moon Knight’s life is filled with peril. A mysterious foe attacks from a new and unexpected direction, an old friend comes to visit and Moon Knight finds himself answering the same question over and over again: “Why do you wear the mask?” Featuring a guest appearance from the striped sensation Tigra!

    So far opening up the book with a trip to the shrink is among the best ways to set up an issue.  I mean it used to be referred to as foreshadowing and I have to say it’s a great tool to have in your writing arsenal.  Now I wonder what would happen if Marc were as honest with his shrink about everything, would they lock him and throw away the key?  I mean sure he was Khonshu’s fist and took out Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and this is a part of his release deal for that but c’mon she knows he’s holding back and I’m dying to see what would happen if he just told her the truth.  It could be a What If? Style of story where we see different outcomes but that’s the fanboy inside me so.  

    I love the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  The character development that we see through the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter is completely and utterly phenomenal.  How this manages to keep their personalities to constantly evolve and at the forefront  of who they are is magnificently portrayed.  The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through pages revealing more of the story the more we want to stay here.

    I am very much appreciative of the way we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen.  I’m a huge fan of the way Jed is able to use the layers to open up new avenues to be explored and how this adds so much great depth, dimension and complexity to the story.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is immaculately rendered. 

    Either I am becoming more accustomed to Alessandro’s work or he’s improving with each issue that comes out, of course logical would say that it is a combination of the two.  There are still moments that I don’t care for, Clark’s first appearance didn’t set him apart as he blended into the plethora of failed villains all over the world, it was too simple and not enough to stand out and make him memorable for him.  I’d like to see more backgrounds being utilised but as it stands the composition within the panels brings out the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story nicely to us.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a very talented eye for storytelling.  The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is extraordinarily well done.  
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    This is chugging along nicely as we have seen some interesting new characters in development and we see Marc trying to become someone he can be proud of.  Though working with that shrink really would go a long way in helping him instead of being so standoffish.  Still I think the writing is amazing, the characterisation is sharp and biting while the interiors add so much atmosphere, mood, tone and feel to the book.  

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Wonder Girl #4

10/31/2021

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Wonder Girl #4
DC Comics 2021
Written by Joelle Jones
Illustrated by Joelle Jones & Adriano Melo
Coloured by Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by Pat Brosseau

    Who are the Esquecida?! With her physical training in full swing, Yara must now look inward. Her childhood in Brazil has always been a mystery, spoken of in hushed tones by her aunt and uncle. What were they not telling her? The answers lie in the Amazon rainforest. But is this young hero ready for the truth? Plus, the two heroes hot on Yara's trail have finally found their target!

    Here’s what I was thinking about while reading this: how much time passes on Mount Olympus compared to on Earth?  If she has been training for some time now then that must mean time moves much faster on Olympus.  I say this because seeing her boyfriend in Brazil shows that he didn’t seem to have aged him.  Then again what is the concept of time to Gods anyway?  It is both an odd thing to focus on and completely logical considering what we see within these pages.  Actually I could go on and on about a few other things we see in this book but I don’t want to give out spoilers, suffice it to say however, that learning as much as we do could be dangerous to one's curiosity.  After all, it's what killed the cat once and for all.  

    I am a huge fan of the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceedingly well.  The character development that we see through the narration, the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter is magnificently portrayed.  That we can see and have such strong views on their personalities is wonderfully achieved.  The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing the story the more pages I wish a single issue held.  

    I appreciate how we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen.  I like seeing how the layers keep opening up new avenues to be explored and the amount of depth, dimension and complexity they add to the story.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is impeccably rendered.  

    The interiors here are mind numbingly bloody gorgeous.  The linework is exquisite and the way it just creates this beauty that oozes off the page through the varying weights and techniques we see bringing this level & quality in the attention to detail to life.  I love seeing backgrounds, although I usually wanna see more but these orange, red and yellow pages don’t necessarily need them.  How they enhance and expand the moments while also working within the composition of the panels to bring out the depth perception, sense of scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the story is magnificently rendered.  The utilisation of the page layouts is innovative at times, and the angles and perspective in the panels shows a masterful eye for storytelling.  The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work shows a brilliant eye for how colour works and how to really make the most impact with their use.
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    Honestly I hadn’t thought the world needed another Wonder Girl, looks like Batman’s not the only one with multiple folks using the same sidekick mantle.  I was wrong because Yara is a fascinating woman and I'm dying to learn who her father is and where he fits into the pantheons around the world.  I will say that these fine creators have made a convert out of me and I hadn’t thought that would be possible.  Thanks to the quality of the writing, the intensity of the characterisation and these bloody gorgeous interiors really do make for wondrous reading.  

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World War 3 #3

10/30/2021

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World War 3 #3
Antarctic Press 2021
By Motofumi Kobayashi

    1994, in a world like our own, but different.  The Soviet policy of perestroika has failed, and General Secretary Gorbachev has been assassinated.  Now, a rampaging portion of the Soviet military has resolved to invade the Western Bloc countries, escalating the threat of devastating global conflict.  Leading war manga figure Motofumi Kobayashi, creator of the hit series Cat Shit One, delivers a gritty, realistic depiction of a third World War that might have actually happened had there been one wrong move!

    One of the first things I noticed was that there weren't any coloured pages, the previous two had them and I checked for ‘em here but alas it was to my chagrin.  That was just a side note because it doesn’t change a single thing about how we feel about the story.  The story itself is strong, powerful and shows the darker side of those fighting which can definitely make the reader feel uncomfortable.  By provoking an emotional response in the reader and having them become engaged in the story on such a level is just the sign of an exceptionally talented individual.  I mean the man does it all, he writes and illustrates the book which in and of itself alone would be something to celebrate but to do both at this insane level of quality is extraordinary.  

    I am very much a fan of the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  The character development that we see through the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter which continues to bring their personalities front and centre.  The pacing that we see is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing more and more of the story the more we are pulled into this world being devastated.

    I greatly appreciate the way that this is being structured and how the layers within the story continue to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen.  That scene with the Frau was intense to say the least but it’s moments like this that help add so much depth, dimension and complexity to the story.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is immaculately handled. 

    I am in awe of the level and quality of work that we see within these pages.  The linework is exquisite and how we see the varying weights and techniques being utilised to create the attention to detail to such a degree is mind boggling.  The way that backgrounds become another character here and how they enhance and expand the moments so brilliantly is impressive as all get out.  That they also work within the composition of the panels to bring out the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story is magnificent.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a masters eye for storytelling.  The black & white style is as unforgiving as it is beautiful to see and with all the gray tones added for depth and dimension what we get really is akin to a visual masterpiece. 
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    It is in my humble yet esteemed opinion that Motofumi should receive some huge accolades, awards and whatever else is heaped onto him for having such a bold, relentless story and the kind of talent we only dream of seeing yet alone possessing.  He is definitely a modern master storyteller and what’s he does here is just another perfect example of this.  

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Echolands #1

10/30/2021

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Echolands #3
Image Comics 2021
Written by J.H. Williams III & W. Haden Blackman
Illustrated by J.H. Williams III
Coloured by Dave Stewart
Lettered by Todd Klein

    Desperate to escape the Wizard's magical assassin, Hope Redhood, Cor, Castrum, Dena, and Rosa seek safe harbour with the crime lord and self-proclaimed deity Romulus. But will Hope and Romulus’s turbulent history doom the rest of the crew? And can even a demigod in super powered armour stop the Wizard’s relentless daughter? And what has happened to Rabbit?

    I’ve come to think that perhaps it's the kitsch factor that makes this as enjoyable as it is, but honestly that’s only a small part of it.  How we see the writing, the characters themselves and their extremely familiar family dynamic play a large role here.  The interiors here in this format are brilliantly rendered and honestly sometimes it’s difficult to actually read, however, when all taken together they do make for some incredibly interesting reading.  The creativity and imagination that are required in order to bring this to life is staggering in the depth and scope in which we see it utilised.  I am also enjoying how we see such individuals making up this family unit and that they all have specialities which they excel in.  so it’s got that Dungeons & Dragons races feel with that classic superhero team feeling.  

    I’m very much enjoying the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  The character development we see through the narration, the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how they act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter does wonders in how we see their ever evolving personalities.  The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing more and more of the story the more we begin to wonder about Hope.  Definitely more than meets the eye to this young woman.

    I appreciate how we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen.  How we see the layers opening up new avenues to explore, mid exploration of other opened avenues, and how this adds depth, dimension and complexity to the story is brilliantly rendered.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward are impeccably achieved.  

    I’m loving every moment of the interiors here.  The linework is exquisite and how the varying weights and techniques being utilised to create this level & quality of the detail we see within the panels are stunningly fabulous.  How we see backgrounds not only being utilised but essential to the storytelling by enhancing and expanding the moments is sheer brilliance. They also work within the composition of the panels to bring out the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story.  The creativity and imagination, which I mentioned earlier, is totally off the charts as we see the sea creature in this issue and the whole Treasure Island with the multiple styles of artwork happening are mindbogglingly brilliant to see.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a masterful eye for storytelling.  The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work shows a masterful eye for how colour works and how to maximise its effects.
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    I’m glad that by doing this the way they are they are taking a risk making a book appear this way and it’s a risk that pays off for me anyway.  The characters are intense, flawed and all too human which makes them that much more relatable to even when they don’t look like any human we know.  The entire book, concept-story-writing-characterisation and the interior artwork are all bloody mindbogglingly brilliant to see coming to life.  

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Nine Stones #3

10/30/2021

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Nine Stones #3
Behemoth Entertainment 2021
By Samuel Spano

    Allie keeps experiencing dreams that haunt him, and it's getting harder to decipher them from reality. Chris introduces Allie to their new dealer, and it doesn't go as expected.

    One of the big things about this book that has taken me by surprise and excites me is how engaged it gets me.  I mean sure we see the two get pleasure off of pain, and who am I to judge that?, but it’s really this dark energy that Allie manages to manifest and uses to focus his anger and pain in ways that he can’t seem to do without it that really intrigues me.  Is this an outside influence that has attached itself to him or is this just his coping mechanism for having a father the way he does and he doesn’t feel strong enough to be himself and assert himself in ways that makes him happy?  There is something about this that is relatable to and we can empathise with regarding Allie.  Then there is Chris and his whacked situation where he’s in love with his boss's son who he sees wanting him and coming out of that shell and what he sees in him, that kindred spirit, excites him in ways that no one else ever has.  So yeah the engagement factor for this is off the charts.

    I am completely and utterly enamoured with the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  The character development that we see through the dialogue, the character interaction and how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter and this keeps us fascinated by their ever changing/evolving personalities.  The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing more and more of the story the more I want to know, I want to know the deepest and darkest the two have to offer.

    I really like how we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen.  How we see the layers open up these new avenues to be explored while exploring those they’ve already opened is extremely well done and the depth,dimension and complexity they add to the story is immeasurable.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is impeccably rendered.

    The interiors here have this whole idea of Americanised Manga to me, so that blend of manga and traditional comic book style that creates a much lighter than expected tone.  I like it, mind you it really shows a contrast between the words and actions and it draws the reader into those darker moments more fully.  How we see the composition of the panels being utilised to bring out the depth perception, sense of scale and that overall sense of size and scope to the story is beautifully handled.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a remarkably talented eye for storytelling.  The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work shows a fantastic eye for how colour works.
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    These two young men couldn't be more different and so much alike if they tried.  Completely different families and upbringing versus that inability to feel comfortable to talk about how they feel and what makes them different so it’s suppressed or repressed until the two do something to set off this hurricane of passion and desire.  That neither is healthy and both need the other is part of the endearing charm that I see within these pages.  The strength of the storytelling with this magnificent writing, complex and intense characterisation and these fabulously contrasting interiors really makes this come alive in ways that will charm you.  

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Suicide Jockeys #3

10/30/2021

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Suicide Jockeys #3
Source Point Press 2021
Written by Rylend Grant
Illustrated by Davi Leon Dias
Coloured by Iwan Joko Triyono
Lettered by HdE

    Dire circumstance force the Suicide Jockeys - a poor, usually drunken, almost certainly mentally ill crew of monster-fighting, tank-and-aircraft-piloting suckers - to partner with an old nemesis - a robot-wielding whack-job billionaire criminal. Oh, yeah... and Eihei Dogen makes an appearance?

    Things here start to really amp up story wise.  Actually I’m really surprised and impressed with the level of storytelling that we see within these pages.  Without relying upon gimmicks or action sequences, what Rylend manages to convey here is a group of people with one goal and doing everything within their power to make that dream a reality.  This is a very story driven issue and I for one think we don’t get near enough of these issues.   There is so much happening within these pages and from different folks with different angles and yet all of it works towards the same common goal.  The ideas proposed are intriguing and it certainly does a great job in engaging the reader and taking them off the page into their own mind, imagination and creativity-not to mention a fair bit of googling as well.  

    I am loving the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  The character development that we see through the narration, the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter.  This does a marvellous job of showing their ever changing, evolving personalities.  The pacing we see is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing more and more of the story the more anxious we become to see if this plan is going to actually work.

    I appreciate the way that this is being structured and how we see the layers within the story continue to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen.  How we see the layers open up new avenues to be explored, such as Denver’s time with Naomi, adds this great depth, dimension and complexity to the story.  It is the little things that often have the most subtle impact and Rylend knows how to create those moments.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is immaculately achieved.

    I absolutely love the interiors here.  The linework is exquisite and how we see the varying weights and techniques we see being utilised to create this level & quality in the attention to detail is utterly fabulous.  How we see backgrounds being utilised throughout to enhance and expand the moments as well as how they work within the composition of the panels to bring out the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a remarkably talented eye for storytelling.  The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work show a spectacular eye for how colour works.  
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    So far I have to say that this is turning out to be so much better than I could have expected it to be.  Old friends who are in reality more like family, which the infighting seems more the way that brothers and sisters fight, coming back together not for the one asking for the one on whose behalf the asking is done is exceptionally well rendered here.  That we feel like this is a family, by choice which to me is more powerful, in such a short amount of time really showcases the kind of talent that Rylend has.  As does how well this is being written and how exemplary the characterisation is and all of it is brought to life by these amazing interiors.

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Pellucidar: Across Savage Seas #2

10/30/2021

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Picture
Pellucidar: Across Savage Seas #2
American Mythology Productions 2021
Story by Chirstopher Paul Carey
Written by Mike Wolfer
Illustrated by Miriana Puglia
Coloured by Arthur Hesli
Lettered by Natalie Jane

    The newest, action-packed journey to the Earth's core continues! After being ripped from the giant airship Favonia by a vicious pteranodon, Gretchen von Harben finds herself stranded on a secluded island amidst one of Pellucidar's vast seas. But she's certainly not alone there, because the tropical paradise is home to giant crabs, a brutish, ape-like Sagoth, and a race of sentient crab people who have enslaved hapless humans who are forced to mine the lava tunnels beneath the island. Joining forces with the Sagoth, Gretchen is determined to end the brutal rule of the Krataklaks, or die trying! 

    What an absolutely delightful issue this is.  Sometimes we forget what it is like when a person arrives on the Island for the first time.  The awe, wonder and horrors of it all come alive here through Gretchen and it brings back all the wide eyed joy that someone experiencing this for the first time should.  While Gretchen seems to be handling this much better than I would’ve guessed she would and I like it, it really kind of shows us her measure as does a moment later on in the story that made me want to cheer.

    I am very much a fan of hte way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is immaculately rendered.  The character development that we see through narration, the dialogue, the character interaction as well as how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances which they encounter does a wonderful job in bringing us their personalities.  The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing more and more of the story we see things progress at a fantastic clip.

    I do appreciate the way that we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to emerge, grow, evolve and strengthen.  How the layers open up new avenues to be explored and that they add such great depth, dimension and complexity to the story is so well rendered. How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as well as how it moves the story forward is impeccably achieved.  

    The interiors here are extremely well done.  I like that Gretchen looks like a full figured woman, not rail thin but thick like women of the age were, it just seems more appropriate this way and it could just be an illusion of her clothes but I’m sticking by what I see.  The linework is fantastic and how we see the varying weights and techniques that we see being utilised to create this amazing detail within the work that we see.  When we see backgrounds being utilised they enhance and expand the moments so I wish we were seeing more of them.  Still how we see the composition within the panels brings out the depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows an extremely talented eye for storytelling.  The various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work show a nice understanding of how colour works.
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    I should be impressed with this original story set within the Edgar Rice Burroughs universe but I’m not.  With the talent that we see in the creators and their obvious love and respect for the source material really shines through here.  The writing is impeccable and the characterisation is pretty amazing while the classic comic book style interiors light up the imagination and creativity beautifully.  

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