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READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

Project Superpowers Blackcross #6

11/30/2015

Project Superpowers Blackcross #6 (of 6)
Dynamite Entertainment 2015
Written by Warren Ellis
Illustrated by Colton Worley
Coloured by Morgan Hickman
Lettered by Simon Bowland

   So few people are able to write a truly dark comic but Warren seems to be able to do it with such complete ease. Not only that but seriously I cannot believe how interesting this was and how much left there is to explore. All the while we’ve learned that these heroes are in this reality because of what they did in theirs though we’ve never learned exactly what that was. Or who passed judgment on them to banish, well not really.

   I so want this to be the first in a series of stories that Warren and Colton are working on together in this reality. I mean last issue all those possessed by the ghosts of the vanquished were finally brought together. We pick up there this issue. That some are more comfortable with their passengers than others it’s no surprise that they don’t trust each other. Nor that they can agree on the right course of action to take now. Warren nails this so completely here it couldn’t have been written any other way or any better.

   That before they can actually figure it out or come up a decent plan of action they are attacked by the one sent to contain them. The American Spirit gets to them and without so much as an ado they have to fight him. What I really enjoyed is the whole idea that these people have use powers they haven’t figured out yet to not only stay alive but stop him. I’m enthralled here I mean Colton and Morgan’s ability to tell the story through their visualization of the fight keeping it so dark with muted colours really is captivating.

   You can’t really talk about what happens in this issue without giving too much away but I have to say that the action is gorgeously choreographed. The writing leaves you with a semi-complete picture and open ended enough that there’s still plenty to reveal in another limited series run. Just the fact that this has a whole honestly dark feel, ring and tone to it without being cliche or over the top is what draws me as a reader to a book. There’s a real sense of foreboding here and it’s terribly exciting.

   Without being angst ridden the whole vibe we get out of this makes for some of the best reading around. There’s so much here that gives these old characters so much more life and potential for the future.

Straitjacket #2

11/30/2015

Straitjacket #2 (of 4)
Amigo Comics 2015
Written by El Torres
Illustrated by Guillermo Sanna
Lettered by Malaka Studio

   This is some crazy stuff right here. Alex may be crazy but it’s that level of crazy that’s really keeping her the most sane person in the room. This is the kind of horror story that envelops the reader into this supernatural world and doesn’t let go. We all love the idea that there’s a world we can see where things that go bump in the night reside. It’s hard to put into words the things we think we see out of the corner of our eye but Torres does it extremely well.

   I love Alex she’s the kind of character that we can really get behind. She’s crazy smart, child prodigy smart, and she alone has the ability to see what’s happening around them. It’s much like a classic horror story where the devil beguiles a girl and she’s got to fight for her life it’s gripping powerful and full of those obstacles in making people around her believe that she knows what she’s doing.

   Her new relationship with Doctor T. while promising he’s still a man of science at his core and it’s going to take a heck of a lot more for him to come to terms with what’s happening. Regardless as this issue opens with a session between the two it’s interesting to see and take note of how at times she seems manic and as if her drugs were working and other moments she’s as lucid as can be as if she hadn’t taken any of them. I love the dialogue here it’s utterly amazing in how it’s able to convey so much.

   Well when we see Raoul again with multiple doctors in his current state things get a tad more interesting. I mean laying in that bed looking up at the ceiling stoned out of his mind while they discuss his prognoses. That the red here is the only colour we see is really what makes this so darn powerful. Also it lends credence to the story Alex was telling about the feeders.

   I have to say i’m a bit surprised by the way the feeders already there weren’t aware of her being in that place. Though when Alex runs from them and they give chase I wasn’t expecting to her and brother be able to pull off what they did. Still with logical explanations aside or given by Doctor T it’s clear that there is still so much here than meets the eye. It’s also incredibly fun to see unfold for us through the illustrations and story.

   Now we’re left with questions like how many members of the staff are actually feeders in disguise? How is it that Alex is going to be able to survive all this and wake up those she needs to aid her in her fight? After all the other inmates in the asylum are crazy and if they were to speak of they saw they’d be well anesthetized further right? Though they do make great agents for the chaos to spread. Even more powerful is how much Alex relies upon her brother for guidance and help through all this. What she does when she can’t communicate with him kind of showcases her true mental state.

   This story is amazingly well written and explores the boundaries of a world we both perceive and don’t at the same time. It makes us question what we believe in and in the treatment of those deemed different than ourselves. Horror has a new master and that’s El Torres.

Jupiter's Circle vol.2 #1

11/30/2015

Jupiter’s Circle Volume 2 #1
Image Comics 2015
Written by Mark Millar
Illustrated by Wilfredo Torres
Coloured by Ive Svorcina
Lettered by Peter Doherty

   We open up volume 2 with a look at the personal lives of Sheldon, Jane and Grace. I dunno the opening is romantic, makes me question Sheldon’s abilities a bit and opens up a potential invasion story which is kind of exciting. That Mark manages to weave that all together so quickly is great. Jane’s observations about her husband make him almost too good to be true ya know. It’s almost like if it’s too good to be true it usually is, that’s the feeling i’m getting from this and I hope not but I can’t shake that feeling.

   Grace, a lawyer as well as a superheroine, is lonely. She has no man in her life and seems to work a lot and when not working off on a beach reading. Not really giving herself a lot of time for dating. I guess being a powerful woman in every sense of the word is intimidating to men. Still she’s become more than what I expected and what I’ve seen of her to date and that’s great.

   That Grace rushes off as Lady Liberty to deal with Professor Prism and his Rainbow-Sceptre was kind of fun. It is really noticeable how different she is in her super-hero persona than in her real life mask. As Grace she looks like she’s got resting bitch face all the time and as Lady Liberty she’s all smiles so we can see just some of the problems she’s facing. I do like that she’s good girlfriends with Jane and they can talk not only about her being a hero but straight up girl talk too.

   I’ll be honest from reading volume one I really thought that Grace and Sheldon were a couple so seeing this story start off this way was kind of eye opening.

   Meanwhile I like seeing Sheldon and Jane on Europa for a number of reasons. There’s the question of his powers and how hard it seems for him to get them there. Then what he finds when he’s there that cuts his romantic getaway short well that I look forward to exploring.

   I’m so happy that Mark and Wilfredo are back for another volume with these characters. While their kids were fun this era and these heroes are what I find truly fascinating. These costumes are so classic and wonderful to see. It’s just nice to see the homage to such a classic era of super-heroes. Actually his work throughout the entire book are exceptionally well done and I love the way the pages shine with character and emotion.

Mark’s characterization here continues to impress as well. This is actually one of the few instances where going back to an original stories beginning isn’t predestined and can be told with new and surprising events. There’s a freshness and excitement about this series and exploring an era that we don’t get a lot views at outside of the movies.

Moon Streak #2

11/29/2015

Moon Streak #2
Guardian Knight Comics 2015
Created by Alfredo “Apple” De La Fuente
Written by Austin Rogers & Wes Hartman
Illustrated by Harvey Tolibao
Lettered by Joshua Cozine
Coloured by Kevin Tolibao, Gabriel Santos & Kevin Anthony De Castro

   I’m totally digging this book! We open with the rat/human hybrid going back to it’s creator who happens to be this sick, twisted female scientist and she’s uber creepy. I mean she basically french kisses the thing to make it feel better. It’s disturbing on so many levels and yet infinitely fascinating at the same time.

   Actually i’m really very impressed with the writing here. The way the story flows is fantastic and with Harvey’s interiors this is some of the brightest new work to come out lately. I mean we go from creepy as all get out to some great old fashioned police/war kind of action seamlessly. Veronica has taken the dude in the suit to a doctor and as that plays out you begin to see that she’s really in way over her head here. Though to be honest the way the suit works on him is remarkable, not only does it apparently give him enhanced strength and all that jazz but remarkable healing ability as well.

   When the Doc wants to know what the men in armour were wearing and recognizes them things quickly take another turn. Now all of this really has me intrigued as to what these guys are a part of. Sure things at the scene that Veronica left are a mess and Gale wants a squad to go chasing the armour dude but it’s really the Doc’s reaction to these guys that gets me excited. It’s this incredibly good, tight writing that leads Gale and his new team to the Doc’s and more secrets are revealed but not enough.

   Dr. Collins knows Ron Gale and this whole thing that goes down between them just screams out for more attention but we’ll never get the answers from either regarding their history now.   As things play out and Gale confronts Veronica the dude in the suit comes to and suddenly there’s a great fighting action sequence unfolding for us. I like that Veronica thinks she’s got some modicum of control over these events even though it’s abundantly clear she doesn’t but that kind of illusion is important for someone desperate to elevate their station in life.

   Harvey really is doing some of the best work of his career here. Alongside the colourists they really make this series come alive in such dynamic ways. The attention to detail, page layouts and the vibrant colours all conspire to really grab the reader’s interest and keep it glued to the pages.

   Aside from the whole action/adventure thing going on it’s really the last page that leaves you with the most WTF moment. Suddenly nothing is what it seems and there’s a whole new slew of questions that need answering. I had thought that this was some kind of hybrid world after a major apocalyptic event and in a sense I was right just not in the way I was imagining it. That alone impresses me since what I’ve thought is wrong and if they can keep that up then i’ll forgo the speculation and let the surprises continue to roll.

   I love small/indie press and this really is a shining example of what creators can do when left to their own devices.

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #220

11/29/2015

G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #220
IDW Publishing 2010
Written by Larry Hama
Penciled by S L Gallant
Inked by Derek Fridolfs
Coloured by J. Brown
Lettered by Shawn Lee

   Hawk, teaming up with special forces teams around the globe, continues to investigate the Revanche corporation and its alliance with Cobra… Meanwhile, Zartan brings together Cobra’s many free agents. And Destro makes a deal with Cobra Commander…

   I really enjoy the way this issue opens with Roadblock grilling Duke about his certifications. I mean c’mon he’s been around long enough and knows to stay current, being field ready should it be required but it’s really about their friendship on display more than anything else. Oh and then there’s the whole rushing off to Joint Base Andrews and Cobra seeing the plane take off that sets in motion a whole new set of events ahead of schedule.

   I love the chain reaction of events that we see. From Cobra noticing the plane but having no idea why and Cobra Commander arrogantly assuming it’s due to him. Then the Joe’s on the ground watching the base seeing all the frenzied activity and upping security radioing that in keeps the chain of events moving full speed ahead. It’s crazy to think one misinterpreted thing can lead into something so much larger, we all know it happens but to see it displayed for us here in living colour by Larry, SL and company really is impressive.

   Ah while I wish it were Lady Jaye who figured it out kudos to Dial-Tone for realizing how all this was set into motion. This of course leads to Hawk who is in Toronto following up leads on Revanche. These crazy new upgraded robots are definitely upgraded way beyond what Cobra’s technology should be, in my humble opinion. I mean seriously that we see this kind of energy manipulation from it is fantastic! It’s got that mix of the cartoon with reality that kind of meets in the middle. It’s technology that could be real but is currently theoretical so seeing in action as next generation weaponry makes me happy.

   There’s a lot going on this issue as we see those Joe’s who are away from the Pit being recalled. Before that happens however there’s plenty of characterization and a chance to get to know the characters that much better. From the new Snake-Eyes to Outback and Spirit it’s nice to see this kind of great mini-spotlight on them in the midst of a huge story arc.   This is kind of stuff that makes the Joe’s what they are, so much more than just soldier but people whom we can relate to.

   What would it be without seeing the New Jersey Marshlands, which I had no clue Jersey had Marshlands! By the way nice phrasing on the hat too kind of apropos considering who is wearing it.

   Ah then there’s the ending. Something I want to believe in but can’t. There’s something too perfect about the timing of all this to be just coincidental, and there are NO such things as coincidences. I dunno i’ll keep an open mind but this is just another aspect of what Larry is capable of here and I have a feeling it’s going to rock the Joe’s world just as much as Cobra’s World Order!

Fistful of Blood #2

11/29/2015

Fistful of Blood #2 (of 4)
IDW Publishing 2015
Created, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Eastman & Simon Bisley
Coloured by Tomi Varga

   I’m still fascinated by the fact she hasn’t uttered a single word. Well that and she’s kind of like Pamela Anderson in her physique sleeping in all that fishnet. She’s also pretty much a badass when it comes to protecting herself and the opening fight scene depicts that quite nicely. The mystery surrounding her is palpable and it’s extremely well crafted so that we have this innate desire to learn more about her. There’s definitely something off with her but it’s one of those things you can’t put your finger on. That she’s here and not leaving and willing to piss off both clans speaks volumes about her but really it makes want to know everything about her.

   Simon is obviously having a blast illustrating this and allowing himself to be as kind of perverted as he can be at times. When we see the vampire groping her and licking her breast it’s over the top but fascinating, more so since he asks when the last she had a bath was! I’m also a huge fan oh how each clan is depicted here. The more traditional one she kills off the bat and the other, Sean McDonald looking like an old miniature chinese immigrant from the days of America’s booming western immigration. There’s a whole thing where his visage belies the menace of what he’s capable of here.

   Ah the innkeeper and his morning chat reveals a tad more about him and it’s kind of fun. I mean he gives us more information on the vampires and the zombies. Of course this leads directly to a group of tourists heading into town. These guys well let’s just say the way they are depicted I have no qualms with them being either bait or dinner depending. They really are the worst fandom has to offer but it’s kind of accurately shown and delightfully within the stereotypical realm.

   This really is just too much fun in a way non-politically correct over the top kind of manner. As this story going on it’s got this Japan feel to it where the mythology of the clans are concerned and then placed in an old western town almost like a ghost town but then we find out it’s pretty much all taking place in modern day times. So there’s a whole plethora of interesting, fun and totally irreverent fun happening and if it offends than you shouldn’t be reading this because this is the kind of fun we all need to have on occasion.

   I can’t wait to see how our girl deals with the new arrivals, having pissed of both clans by not taking either of them up on their job offers. Plus I want to know more about her history and why she’s mute! I mean it’s not essential but it’s something I want to learn. I’m digging this I mean it’s nice to see creators known for other works stretching their wings and doing something completely unexpected like this.

   This my friends is the kind of fun you should enjoy more than once in your life. Now is the perfect time too since it’s a great stress reliever from the holidays and with all the craziness in the world.

The Black Hood #7

11/28/2015

The Black Hood #7
Dark Circle Comics 2014
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Illustrated by Michael Gaydos
Coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettered by Rachel Deering

   Well last issue was a nice one off story that focused on the rehab stint and the whole hopefully he’ll be able to get off the pain pills. It was nice, full of great characterization and a surprising little story woven into it as well. Now however it’s time for him to come home to Philly and try to start putting back together the pieces of his life. Easier said than done for anyone but particularly for a cop hooked on pills and putting on a mask.

   While he’s been gone in The Badlands, North Philadelphia, someone’s been snatching people off the streets. As a matter of fact that is how we open this issue with one such abduction and it’s affected his partner Devon.

   It’s actually nice to see Greg trying to slip back into his old life. With his face the way it is and all the looks, sideways glances and the folks on his beat looking at him the way they do prove things can never go back to normal again. It’s strong writing and the stuff Michael and Kelly deliver alongside it really is the most amazing stuff. Seeing him back and talking to his partner, the bikes guard acting like a mirror even trying to have dinner with Jessie it’s really both delightful and a painful reminder he’s not okay. The characterization is so darn good, strong and compelling to see that you can’t help but be pulled into this.

   When one of Jessie’s patients goes missing she turns to Greg for help though he has to drag the offer out her. This means he’ll get to put on the Hood again that’s the thing that makes him truly happy. I love that too seeing that this is the kind of stuff that makes him truly happy as if he’s traded one addiction for another. He’s got that addictive type of personality and it’s infused with that cop upbringing of a desire to do good. The whole sensibility behind him is this wonderful mix that keeps us coming back to learn more about him.

   When we finally see his resolve to put the mask back on and take control of the situation it coincides with us finally getting to see those responsible for snatching people off the street. All of this conspires to create this whole new dimension the Black Hood will find himself operating in. The scope of this adventure is going to alter everything he knows and it’s starting off with this explosive beginning.

   This series has had such an evolution to it since day one and it’s great to see how involved and unexpected his journey is. This has been one of the best and brightest of journey’s you never knew you were going to take.

Ringside #1

11/28/2015

Ringside #1
Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Joe Keatinge
Created & Illustrated by Nick Barber
Coloured by Simon Gough
Lettered by Arianna Maher

   To be quite honest i’m not a wrestling fan, never have been never will be i’m also not a fan of this style of artwork, it’s too generic or simple for my tastes. With all that being said I really enjoyed this book! It is interesting, different and so completely not what I was expecting and I found myself really getting into it. Plus there are characters that we’re introduced to that really stand out and make this more unexpectedly universal. So my recommendation is to pick this up give it a go and see if you can find what I see in it.

   I loved how this opened up in Japan with a former big time wrestler now training new young talent and being reminded of his past. The guy he’s chatting with isn’t all that friendly either and he’s kind of a dick really but it’s great for what it is and what it does.   It moves quickly enough to seeing Dan leave Japan for the states and seeing a match in progress being changed in progress. It’s interesting actually and we meet a couple guys who I’m going to guess will play larger roles in this story. After all one of em is Dan’s friend and the three meet up and a have bite to eat together.

   I also liked meeting Andre and Terrence. It kind of gives the reader a more well rounded look at the people Dan knows and how they fit into his life. Also whether they are the kind he wants to be around or who will try to cash in on who he was. Still it’s Andre that takes Dan to stay with Amy and she’s one of those characters that i’m puzzled and fascinated by. She’s wheelchair bound and well from the artwork we wouldn’t know if it was guy or girl but i’m guessing the backstory for her is going to be good. How the two know each other and that she’s from before his days in the ring keep this depth to the story strong.

   Then when the two talk we get the real reason Dan’s back. The mysterious Teddy once again is trouble over his head. He needs Dan to bail him out of whatever he’s gotten himself into and the bonds of friendship on display really hit home for me. Though with all the little bits with actually wrestling stuff happening here it’s really about what Teddy’s gotten into and how Dan’s been dragged into in ways that we see as the issue concludes. Definitely not something I was expecting to see which in itself makes it hella interesting.

   So while we get sneak peeks into the world of professional wrestling the book has more style and substance to it than you’d expect. Before you realize it you’ll find yourself into the story and wondering what’s going and what’s going to happen next. Not to mention which of the people we’ve been introduced to will have those important larger roles to play. After all we aren’t introduced to characters in comics willy nilly specially when strong characterization is involved in fleshing them out.

   While the art isn’t what I like per se it works well here and for the subject matter. The tone, feel and mood of what they bring to the pages is good stuff.

Black Magick #2

11/28/2015

Black Magick #2
Image Comics 2015
Created & Written by Greg Rucka
Created & Illustrated by Nicola Scott
Colour Assists by Chiara Arena
Lettered by Jodi Wynne

   I’m seriously blown away by this series so far. I guess when you work on your own stuff, creator owned, there’s an added pressure for things to be perfect. Still I don’t think I’ve ever seen Nicola’s art look like this before and the attention to detail and the black and white with gray tones really makes everything stand out so much more. Immediately that house it’s just gorgeous and it’s such a wow factor and sets the tone for everything else to come.

   At the precinct we see the morning roll going on with the assignments being handed out and a recap of the events of last night, last issue. Goodness I love Ro’s partner he’s gorgeous and that sweater he’s wearing I want one. I love Greg’s writing he’s got this whole cop thing down to a science adding in magic however should really twist this into something more extraordinary. Still the way this is all unfolding has really strong moments of characterization and set-up that really captures the attention.

   I have to say that the moments when it seems I.A.B. has more knowledge than they let on was fantastic. I mean we don’t give cops enough credit and yeah far fetched theories may be hard to swallow but there’s usually some basis to them. Then there’s Father Gutierres who has his weekly lunches with Alex, the most powerful witch in the coven. I have a feeling he’s going to play a much larger role in all this as well. Why, well he’s introduced first of all and there’s a thing happening between him and Alex.

   The talk Alex and Rowan have is more illuminating concerning the events of last issue and their significance. I’m really looking forward to learning more about these women, where they come and how long they’ve been alive just to name a few. Then of course there’s a whole new matter cropping up as well with a case she and her partner pickup. One that well can’t be a coincidence, mostly because I don’t believe in coincidence heh. As is proven by the team that is investigating the John Doe who burned to a crisp last issue and when we learn his name.

I love how everything is happening here there’s this whole sense of something huge unravelling before our eyes with just enough bits and pieces to keep us on the hook without giving away too much yet. It really does have this whole cop drama going on seemingly like a smokescreen for what’s really happening and yet not quite Grimm inspired but definitely kind of Hill Street Blues or Law and Order on it’s surface.

Of course I mentioned it earlier but it bears repeating, Nicola’s work on this is outeffingstanding to see. She’s utterly brilliant here and I cannot get over just how in love I am with these characters and the city and just the way she’s bringing this all to life. Facial expressions, body language, clothing, backgrounds I mean from page/panel layouts to every detail we see there’s nothing here not to be mesmerized by.

Rogues Volume IV #3

11/27/2015

Rogues Volume IV #3 (of 5)
Amigo Comics 2015
Written by El Torres
Penciled by Nacho Tenorio
Inked by Sergio Mora
Coloured by Veronica R. Lopez
Lettered by Malaka Studio

   A BABY, the rightful son of the Gerator was abandoned on the front porch of the rogues BRAM and WEASEL. The lecherous (and evil) favorite MALIKITA, finally captured the baby using the mage DITKOTOMOUS and his magic cards. Our heroes were left beaten and hurt in the streets of Gerada.

   I don’t care i’m so in love with this book and what Torres does with it. I mean seriously this issue is chock full of cute subtle and not so subtle homages to some of the best fantasy novels and comics in the realm. After losing the baby to the Vampires Three last issue Bram and Weasel go home where they collapse and take a respite. All the while talking about how the baby is nothing but trouble and not rewarding enough for them to still be involved with the usual we’re gonna try to talk ourselves out of this then weapon up and get him back. The dialogue is superbly done and the characterization is one of the main reasons this transcends any kind of genre regardless of the setting.

   Meanwhile Malikita has her men enslaved on the bed, one looking happy and please the other shameful and it’s too bad we don’t see enough of them, yes I mean that front or back. Though I do have to admit that finally seeing a hairy man in comics like this is fun. I mean c’mon Malikita is running around stark naked talking to everyone and yeah boobs I get it but seriously this is 2015 folks stop being afraid to show gender equality. Though I loved how the Chief Magistrate dealt with her. God i’m telling you the writing here cannot be beat it’s really some of the most you’ll have.

   So while Bram and Weasel scour the city for mages who might know something about the baby that’s where the homages come in heavily. Last time out I told you how Dikotomous was dressed well here we get a bevy of different characters not named but ya know close enough. Oh yeah there’s one moment that shines above all others as well and if you read this you’ll see it and for then on out you will devour reading this series oh and it’s not about the Tower of Fisting!

   I love the absurdity of Weasel taking on Dikotomous in a duel. Thank you Yu Gi Oh for the inspiration because it lends itself beyond perfectly here! You’ll have to see how the duel goes to really appreciate it and seeing Diko at the end of it. Though I really wish in that position we’d have found out he’d been violated as well.

   That these two honest outlaws continually find themselves in situations that they should never survive let alone thrive in and remain as broke and well not notorious as they could be is fantastically done. You’d think by now they have this reputation that would be more akin to what they’ve been through instead of the down on their luck nothing worth troubling about. I guess that’s what makes them so likable though.

   This is the kind of stuff that makes you smile as you read it. You just enjoy it so fully and it’s a constant reminder why you love comics!