Blog Archives - READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

MASK #1

11/30/2016

MASK #1
IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Brandon Easton
Illustrated by Tony Vargas
Coloured by Jordi Escuin
Lettered by Gilberto Lazcano

   The Mobile Armored Strike Kommand now reeling from the events of Revolution finds themselves on the run from the law and hunted by Manheim, now going by Mayhem and his new strike team VENOM.   If Matt and his team are going to survive these initial days and bring Mayhem to justice for what he’s done they are going to have figure things out fast.

   One of the main things I liked about this issue is that Brandon was able to take the Revolution One-Shot and keep this moving from there.   With the revelations that came with Revolution itself, that Manheim was evil, and that one-shot this is a great continuation. Not only that but even if you hadn’t read those it’s still a great introductory issue to the series. It’s got a little bit of everything, the flashbacks and the moving forward so that you know what’s come before and can seamlessly be transitioned into the new.

   While I am enjoying the setup for the adversarial relationship between Matt and his squad versus Mayhem and his I am hoping we’ll see that this will tackle other issues and feature the other characters of this shared universe. Turning to the Joe’s or the Transformers for help clearing their names or in helping secure a new base of operations, though that may not be an issue, would be nice to see as it’ll keep them firmly implanted in this new universe. For me this would be something of interest i’d to see.

   I have to say that the interiors here are fantastic! We all know i’m a huge fan of attention to detail and the prolific use of backgrounds and this definitely has those in spades. The look, tone and feel of the book really does suit the action/adventure theme of the story. The use of page layouts through angles and perspective are used phenomenally well. The facial expressions and body language are key to us getting more characterisation than the words offer.

   So far this really is an exciting series and the direction it’s taking looks like it’s going to establish what we should come to expect from it. With a great cast of characters, a conflict formed and the beginnings of a new origin this promises to be something extraordinary. There’s also really strong characterisation going on here to establish the team. Plus it’s got some smooth interior artwork to really enhance the story itself.

   Get ready for another action packed series from the Hasbro line from IDW because this one seems to have what it takes for maximum impact!

Red Agent the Human Order #1

11/30/2016

Red Agent the Human Order #1 (of 12)
Zenescope Entertainment 2016
Written by Lou Iovino
Illustrated by Wilton Santos & Marc Rosete
Coloured by Hedwin Zaldivar, Ceci De La Cruz & Grostieta
Lettered by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios

   The world has become a dangerous place. Highborn's and monsters from the Realms of Power hide in plain sight. Now the world’s leaders are looking to exploit their powers for their own gain, using them as spies and assassins for covert missions. But the Highborn initiative is there to balance the scales with their own group of super powered spies. Led by Britney Waters, better known now as the Red Agent, her team travels the world battling the forces of evil that lurks in the shadowy world of espionage and secret intelligence.

   One of the things that I like about this is that it really does pretty much pick up where the last mini-series left off. Also that the maxi-series is back! It’s nice to see that a twelve issue series is being offered again so we can actually have that time spent on getting all the intricate pieces of the puzzle into place and still tell that riveting story that puts Britney firmly in charge of her team and their place in the world.

   Also the characterisation is something that Lou does really well. I like seeing this part of Britney who can go from a solo mission to caring about the welfare of her teammates. Ditto went through quite a bit the last time out so seeing some time spent on him here is nice and that he’s going to remain a focus for this run again pleases me. It will be interesting to see how what he has been through and his “origin” come into play turning him into the new being that Ditto is. I’m hoping that his continued evolution as a character remains as interesting and strong as we’re introduced to here.

   I like the interior artwork here. There’s a lot going on and the use of page layouts through angles and perspective are well done. The use of backgrounds is great to see and how they influence how you feel when you see what’s going on. The creativity and imagination on display is wonderful to see, from Ditto to the Highborn’s and our main characters as well there’s a nice amount of detail in them.

   This is a great premise and an exciting team that’s been assembled. There’s so much potential here that could tie this team into the rest of the books the company has done. We could see recurring characters or new team members from various walks of life and that kind of unlimited aspect makes for such an exciting future. Also that there’s this shadow organisation that’s working behind the scenes that will somehow, someday come into the light just adds another intrigue factor into all this.

   Smart, intelligent writing from a strong concept and premise to exciting interior artwork Zenescope is well on the way into the arena of storytelling that makes you sit up and take notice.

Savage #1

11/30/2016

Savage #1
Valiant Entertainment 2016
Written by B. Clay Moore
Illustrated by Lewis LaRosa & Clayton Henry
Coloured by Brian Reber
Lettered by Dave Lanphear of A Larger World

   Fifteen years ago, the world's most famous soccer star and his former supermodel wife –pregnant with their unborn child – disappeared without a trace. The world believes they are dead... But, in reality, their private jet crash-landed on a mysterious, unknown island ruled by by prehistoric creatures from another time…

   So take Jurassic Park III and blend it with Swiss Family Robinson and that’s the kind of feel that this gives me. Coincidentally it’s better than that movie and more interesting than the book and what B. Clay does here appeals to people who would find either story right up their alley. It’s got a strong premise and right off the bat we’re introduced to the characters in ways that grab the reader’s attention.

   So the opening shows us the now reality and it only shows us one character. It’s definitely got that Jurassic Park feel to it and it’s that whole survival feel that shows us some very feral activity. It’s very dynamic, dramatic and without words it really conveys a strong sense of what life is like on this island. Lewis, Clayton and Brian do some extremely detailed and wonderful work on this and it draws you so you can’t wait to see what’s happened.

   When we get to the past and the event that leads up to the opening we get a very good look at a modern celebrity couple. A soccer star with an ambitious partner who wants to ensure he’s a global superstar while he just wants to do what he loves and have a loving family. You really get a sense of who these two people are here. B. Clay really manages to straddle that position between greed and ambition that turns best interest into something perverse here. Fame and money is what makes the world turn right and we see that here but it doesn’t have that feeling of pure greed. There’s a very real sense of this is what’s best for you, your image/brand and what you are capable of achieving not just ruthlessness.

   The interiors here are spectacularly done. The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and with the backgrounds that we see are so incredibly well done. The attention to detail is great and the way the characters look is marvelous. Ronnie is a striking woman but it’s Kevin who has that international footballer appeal and sexiness that took me surprise. Visually this is a stunning amount of work that tells as much about the story as the words do.

   So with the introduction of Ronnie and Kevin things are set up extremely well. We get a look at who they are, what happened to them setting the stage for the story and an end goal where everything meets up. The structuring of the story is strong and well executed. The interiors are done and it’s one of those stories that remind you of others but in the end is creatively it’s own entity. Strong, superb and incredibly dynamic this is another hit for Valiant!

No Angel #1

11/30/2016

No Angel #1
Black Mask Studios 2016
Created & Written by Adrianne Palicki & Eric Palicki
Illustrated by Ari Syahrazad
Coloured by Jean-Paul Csuka
Lettered by Jim Campbell

   Religious texts from The Bible to the Sumerian tablets speak of strange creatures descending from the heavens and mating with humans, their children the superhuman heroes of myth. None of this ever meant anything to Iraq War veteran Hannah Gregory, until she found herself in the crosshairs of a dangerous cult convinced that she's a descendant of these dangerous bloodlines... bloodlines they're determined to eradicate.

   Wow okay colour me more than intrigued. I’m a sucker for anything that either proves or disproves things that are mentioned in the bible. From those who are considered angels mating with the women of man to the various explanations of what that means or the type of people that really entails. What is common among them all however is that if the bible is involved it’s usually a horror story of sorts. What Adrianne and Eric bring us here combines a hard nosed FBI Agent with a world where Angels and Demons exist and it’s the reconciliation of her ideals and her deceased father’s beliefs that sets the stage for something extraordinary.

   Hannah is a pretty hard, cold woman when we meet her and her personality has been shaped through the experiences in her life. From this small town upbringing where she felt stifled to a tour in Iraq which led her to becoming an FBI Agent based out of Chicago. We see through her personality and through her interactions here the kind of woman she is. It’s very well done from a characterisation standpoint and I have to say she’s one of the least likely characters to end up believing in what’s being presented to her.

   Then there’s the work Ari and Jean-Paul do on the interiors here. Such sharp, clean work with amazing attention to detail and the use of page layouts with angles, perspective and backgrounds really make this so beautiful. They do such an amazing job in showing us emotion and characterisation through facial expressions and body language. There are a couple of moments that really stand out in this as well and they’ve got that wow impact factor that will really draw you into the story.

   The idea of a blood lineage that goes back to biblical times isn’t anything new but this is a new and different take on that. The results are those who would be seen as having too much Angel DNA and there are those with the opposite DNA and have created two opposing forces. One that would cause conflict, murder and mayhem between the two sets of descendants. It’s truly shaping up to be a battle of biblical proportions and it’s the dark side of all this where all this intrigue comes from.

   With a strong premise and excellent storytelling, pacing and characterisation alongside some stellar interior artwork this delves into realms of the bible and it’s descendants in ways that will make you sit up and take notice.

Fish Eye #1

11/30/2016

Fish Eye #1
Scout Comics 2016
Written by Massimo Rosi
Illustrated by Stefano Cardoselli
Coloured by Simone Bertoni
Lettered by Francesco Della Santa

   This is the story of a small town cop and family man named Travis, who, unbeknownst to him, happens to be the star of a reality show that follows his police exploits.

   Think The Truman Show mixed with the Saw franchise and that’s pretty much what you’ve got here. I like it, you’ve got Travis who has no idea he’s the center of a reality television show which can get kind of tedious and boring so in an attempt to boost ratings the producers take “reality” tv to a whole new level. This really has all the biggies in my opinion, greed being the biggest one on display here. There’s a real sense of what someone is willing to do to stay on top and feel important to their own future and it’s a frightening thing to see.

   Massimo does such an incredible job on the characterisation here. You really get a chance to meet and get to know the characters here and watch how even the best laid plans of mice and men come crumbling down. It’s not just the characterisation that is top notch here either as the way the whole story is structured and told to us the reader is strong and well executed. You know this is a finite series because it’s the end that we see first and then we go back to how it all began. Well not entirely but the exact moment things change and lead up to the ending. Which is not complete by the way there’s still something left unresolved and I look forward to seeing that as well.

   Stefano and Simone do some interesting work on the interiors here. Stefano has a very definite style and I found it interesting to see and actually rather expressive. His use of page layouts through angles and perspective are extremely nice to see. Even the use of backgrounds here are great and add a lot to scenes. They do a marvelous job bringing you into the story with their work and create a great atmosphere for the words.

   There really is something about this book that you have to experience to understand how good it is. Watching Travis and seeing the beginning of the transformation he’s undertaking and how this is going to affect everyone we see in this issue has this electric excitement to it. The intensity that is brought to this will be something readers will relish.

   With strong writing, story development and characterization wrapped up in some very stylized interiors this is one you need to make sure is on your reading list. This is a complete and utter surprising gem of a read!

The Goddamned #5

11/28/2016

The Goddamned #5
Image Comics 2016
Written by Jason Aaron
Illustrated by r.m. Guera
Coloured by Giulia Brusco
Lettered & Designed by Jared K. Fletcher

   Jason really does a mind trip on us here with this issue. He brings us so much violence and potential within that and then completely takes us there and then yanks it all away in one fell swoop. I was amazed, mystified and completely absorbed in what was going on here and I cannot believe how this left me feeling.

   There’s a part of me that is shocked by this portrayal of Noah and what he is like in these pages. Though to be honest slave labour and using people to make that ark does make more sense then he and his sons alone doing it. Plus there’s that whole God chose me aspect that would give anyone that superiority complex that would in this time allow them to think they are above reproach. Though that he’s building an ark to save life from a flood that will wipe out people that are acting just like him well there’s some nice irony.

   While the mother is finding her son, Lodo, Cain is fighting. Between the narration, dialogue and the visuals here this is something not to be missed. While we don’t see any nudity this time around it comes close and I have to admit the clothing and we’ll call it armour that is being worn reallys strikes a chord. Not only does r.m. do this amazing job bringing the characters to life but the way he uses page layouts with angles, perspectives and the backgrounds here really give that that something extra. He draws you into this in ways that will shock and surprise you.

   Speaking of the fight itself makes you wonder about Cain. Here he is doing the right thing and it looks like he’s getting it handed to him. Still we learn about his curse and how it works and it really starts to fill your mind with what ifs? What if he’s had children or grandchildren are they like him, will he feel the need to eliminate his family line at some point? Is he capable of love at this point and can he even sire children? You want to see him be happy after all we’ve seen him go through but is that in the cards for him or will he always be reminded of what he introduced to the world?

   That these guys are able to make you go past the biblical aspects that this is based on make you think longer term and the motivations behind the characters no matter how reprehensible they are is one of the greatest things going here. I mean there’s foul language and violence galore and it really doesn’t lend itself to what you might think of and yet there’s some really deep thought behind all this and it pulls that out in the readers minds.

   I’ve been enjoying this immensely but I have to say this issue really took me by surprise. There’s so much going on here that you love and hate all the while it’s taking you on this crazy ass journey through Cain’s life.

Briggs Land #4

11/27/2016

Briggs Land #4
Dark Horse Comics 2016
Written by Brian Wood
Illustrated by Mack Chater
Coloured by Lee Loughridge
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot

   Caleb Briggs, eldest son and member of the white power movement, attempts to
intimidate a local business owner into selling. Grace Briggs uncovers more about her incarcerated husband’s attempts at revenge.

   One of the things that impresses me to no end is when a story has few words and relies upon the visuals to really tell it. The guys do that here incredibly well too. Mack has this opportunity here to really cut loose and shine with what he can do and I’m here to tell ya it’s so damn good. I mean Caleb getting up going to the gym and working out hiding that incredibly hard body behind those clothes and that mild mannered facade, not to mention that back tattoo really opened up this issue with some kind of powerful storytelling.

   Mack’s attention to detail here is phenomenal! The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and the use of backgrounds are meant to tell a story and he does that here as well as any television cinematographer. The way facial expressions and body language are portrayed really do wonders with giving us as much characterisation as the story itself does.

   Then there’s Grace and what she’s going through. She’s wrested control of the family from her husband and he’s not happy about it and will do whatever he needs to seeking revenge and retribution. We’ve seen the attempt on her life already and now she and her lawyer are talking well it’s some heavy stuff. On one hand I understand what she’s saying but on the other she’ll always be a Briggs through and through and her kids are Briggs but what her husband is planning well push seems to be coming shove awfully fast.

   Now i’m not really sure what Caleb’s plan is but he isn’t going about things very well. His temper and his penchant for violence, not to mention that white supremacy thing, don’t lend themselves to level headed leadership. While he may think he’s his father’s son he’s really nothing more than a bully, muscle to be used. He proves this beyond a shadow of a doubt to me this issue and it makes him something of a loose cannon. One whose wick is lit and the explosion from him could very well be devastatingly epic.

   There’s some great work happening in these pages. From the story Brian has created to the pacing of it and the way the characters have taken on lives of their own to the stunning work Mack and Lee do on the interiors. It’s really this crazy real look at those who live off their own sovereignty and don’t acknowledge the rule of government. Though now that he’s in jail and has lost his place as head of the family Briggs Sr. certainly is going to use that government he has disdain for to his advantage. It’s scary in it’s realism and fascinating in it’s scope that people believe in this.

   Powerful, gripping storytelling that’s meant to shake the reader to their core and like a trainwreck you just can’t turn away from.

Battlestar Galactica vol.3 #4

11/27/2016

Battlestar Galactica vol.3 #4
Dynamite Entertainment 2016
Written by Cullen Bunn
Illustrated by Alex Sanchez
Coloured by Salvatore Aiala
Lettered by Sal Cipriano

   AFTER LANDING UPON A MYSTERIOUS PLANET SURROUNDED BY A RING OF DEAD STARSHIPS, THE CREW OF THE GALACTICA WAS SURPRISED TO BE REUNITED WITH BALTAR. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THEY MADE A SECOND, MORE SINISTER DISCOVERY: A GROUP OF NIGHTMARISH HUMAN-CYLON HYBRIDS. WITH THEIR LEADER ADAMA IN A COMA AND TRAPPED IN DEADLY PSYCHIC BATTLE WITH THE NEFARIOUS COUNT IBLIS, AND WITH THEIR SHIPS UNDER ATTACK FROM THE OVERWHELMING PRESENCE OF THESE NEW FOES, THE HUMAN FLEET, IN ORDER TO SURVIVE, WILL HAVE TO FORM AN UNEASY ALLIANCE WITH THE
CYLON FORCES THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY PURSUING THEM…..

   For all the shiny and fanciness of the reboot, which was popular i’ll grant you, there’s nothing like the original and what Cullen is doing with this story showcases that you can never keep a good thing down. A true fran of the original run this incorporates so much of it here that it makes me long to binge watch the series.

   This issue kind of reminds you why Cullen is not only a magnificent writer but how strong storytelling, through the premise, pacing and characterisation you can create something so much larger than what we see on the surface. I mean the way this issue goes and how Apollo goes to his father’s side and all that entails well that leads to the surprise ending which of course is kind of what all this has been leading up to. The way it’s woven throughout is simply stunning and I can’t shake that feeling that something monumental is still on the horizon.

   The enemy of my enemy is my friend has never been more apropos than we’re seeing it right now. Of course it shouldn’t surprise anyone that when the Cylons are faced with a threat they seek refuge among the fleet. Still it does have this quality to it that makes for exciting reading and the fact that both sides are in a position to learn more about the other shouldn’t be discounted. That could come into play later on and that Baltar is back among them all well that’s just something I can’t wait to see how it plays out when this is over. After all who will he remain with?

   The interiors here are growing on me. Yes there are moments when it seems like there are questions about what to do with a character but overall seeing the helmets and the likeness of the characters is great to see. The use of page layouts through angles and perspective are well done. The use of backgrounds are effective when we see them and flesh out those moments nicely. The nostalgia factor they bring is amazing to me.

   I can’t wait for next issue to see how all this comes to a head and if Iblis can gain some measure of revenge for being cast out. In the meantime if you enjoyed the reboot there’s a reason it was so good and that’s because it embodied so much of what made the original such a groundbreaking series. Cullen’s story here will entice you with it’s struggle of survival and triumph in the face of adversity.

Lake of Fire #4

11/27/2016

Lake of Fire #4
Image Comics 2016
Written, Coloured & Lettered by Nathan Fairbairn
Illustrated by Matt Smith

   Well the group went out after the creatures and find themselves in the ship that crash landed on Earth. It’s kind of what we’ve been waiting for actually seeing how these men and woman deal with being inside an alien space ship, not knowing what it truly is, and encountering these creatures on it’s own turf.

   What Nathan manages to do here is infuse all the classic outer space horror movie elements into this to make it thrilling for readers. The dark corridors of a dead ship full of creatures and the men carrying weapons of wood steel against them there’s an electricity to the idea that shines through here. The blending of the world’s are done so well and while part of that is because of the clever writing it’s equally due to Matt’s interiors as well. The sheer contrast in man vs beast that we see is so well done.

   I really do like what Matt does with these interiors as well. Showing the hallways that lead to the nerve center to the ship’s engine it all has this progression that keeps getting more and more alien compared to the era in which this story takes place. The way he’s able to give these characters such individuality and show emotion and strain on their faces is wonderful to see. The flow through page layouts with the use of angles, perspective and even the backgrounds really help tell the whole story.

   I still can’t believe that man hasn’t died yet and has the gall to follow the group and still think his righteousness will serve him well. I want this man to die already and that’s usually the one who lives through all this and will proclaim it was his faith that decreed he live. Trying to elevate himself to near godlike or at least god favoured status. Still we all need that one person we love to hate right?

   What we see and learn this issue is as much a result of the combination of words and pictures. They are so in sync with each other that they indeed are able to convey the true scope of what’s happened and still happening here. The implications are astounding and the level of what we see and learn really light that fire of understanding and excitement inside you. The level of sheer action/adventure and horror of what we see and the cast experience will leave you on the edge of your seat panting and wanting to see what’s next.

   The level of storytelling here with it’s characterisation and plot/story advancement has been a truly wonderful thing to see. The moment that we see when one cannot go forward and how that’s handled well it’s surprisingly tender and understanding amidst all this and you forget that sometimes a calm head and cool hand are what’s needed. That Nathan can put moments like that into the madness surrounding them is the sign of a very talented writer.

   This is far and away one of the most exciting, fresh and different takes on a horror style genre that will blow you away.

Jackpot #4

11/26/2016

Jackpot #4
Aftershock Comics 2016
Created & Written by Ray Fawkes
Illustrated by Georges Duarte
Coloured by Stefani Rennee
Lettered by Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt

   Dominique Vasko leads what may well be the greatest team of con-artists in the world. For years, they’ve been ripping off high-powered targets and getting away clean. But now they’ve attracted the attention of people playing on a whole other level—and things are getting weird...deadly weird…

   I like the way this book flows. With the opening we see how one might find a mark and play him, or her, to your advantage. It’s nice because you have to remember that this team is one of con-artists and understanding how they think and work is kind of a big deal here. Also it goes directly into seeing Dominique and her situation. I love the way that Ray has done the storytelling here as we see the evolution of the story throughout the issue.

   There are plenty of twists and turns throughout this issue and it’s one of the great things about it. You are never quite sure who’s playing who as things progress. Also that we are being introduced to these so-called modern day gods officially is nice to see. Though that all of them don’t share in welcoming Dominique to the fold is only natural and that she’s been setup so that she’s here without really much choice in the matter well it just has this wonderful dynamic to it.

   I have to say that this whole introduction to a new world of possibilities for Dominique played out like a dream. They tried to woo her much like she would a potential mark of her own and since we’ve all heard the saying “you can’t play a player” and they’re right. These folks don’t really have a clue who Dominique is and what she’s capable of and it’s delicious to see. The sheer amount of arrogance and double play that goes on here is pretty genius on Ray’s part and it’s incredibly enjoyable to watch unfold. The amount of characterisation that is given to us here is spectacular and not just from the interaction we see but through the interaction that we don’t see as well, unless you count a note as interaction which is awfully good stuff btw.

   I really like the way the page layouts are used here through the angles, perspective and use of backgrounds on both planes. There’s a real connection that you get from them--I mean both simultaneous stories-- that is surprisingly nice to see. There’s some nice attention to detail going on here and the colouring is fantastic as it represents the space that Dominique is in.

   This issue takes us readers to a place that cunning and manipulative as humanly possible while still entertaining the heck out of us. The way the mind works and how angles are covered and one woman’s skills can be used and turned against those who seek to use her are outrageously demonstrated. That Ray is able to think of all this as he’s done and then implement in such a way as he has shows remarkable skill and talent. Each page and each panel continues to improve upon the story he laid down at the beginning and make this so much more than we can dreamed possible.