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READING WITH A FLIGHT RING

Wynonna Earp Legends: Doc Holliday #1

11/23/2016

Wynonna Earp Legends: Doc Holliday #1
IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Tim Rozon & Beau Smith
Illustrated by Chris Evenhuis
Coloured by Jay Fotos
Lettered by Robbie Robbins

   Wynonna Earp and Doc Holliday have faced off against demons and Revenants, but nothing can prepare them to square off against the infamous Pinkertons. When Doc catches wind of an abandoned stash of gold from a train robbery, he and Wynonna race to track it down before Pinkerton agents get their hands on it.

   Well I have to say I do like that the guys are expanding this universe from beyond just the usual revenants and demons. Granted it starts off kind of the same way as usual with Wynonna, Doc and Val on the lookout for someone or something. It’s a good solid setup and it’s a chance to not only keep the series alive during its hiatus between seasons but in concert with the other comic series as well.

   So with all three of them there it’s really Doc’s characterisation that immediately catches the ear and steals the show. I mean his mutterings to himself about how many people are around and how he sees them, “dreadful sea of unwashed humanity” is some of the best narration around. I know this is a spotlight on him but normally we don’t get much past Wynonna’s verbal sparring.

   Chris and Jay do some nice work on the interiors here. The characters are instantly recognisable, the individuality that we see of the folks milling about is great. The use of page layouts with angles, perspective and backgrounds really flesh out the story nicely. The flow of the book visually is nicely done and the subtlety of the bad guy is great because he looks “normal” and yet there are little clues to tell us otherwise.

   There’s a new big bad in town and he’s not only familiar with Wyatt but with Doc as well and it’ll be interesting to see how his familiarity with the Earp’s and Holliday plays out. As if that weren’t enough, because let’s face it it never is, there’s another faction that comes into play here and one I thought was defunct. Though a quick search and a wikipedia entry later shows that the evolution is there and it may not exactly be what it once was it’s still around. Though I have a feeling that this version is going to be a lot different than we should be expecting.

   This is a great first issue that introduces us to an exciting new story arc. It expands this universe wonderfully beyond what we’ve already seen established. With new rivals, enemies and friends, all of which are interchangeable here, being brought to light there’s never been a better time to grab a copy and see what this is all about. This is both new reader friendly as well as something that longtime fans won’t want to miss.

Masked #1

11/23/2016

Masked #1
Titan Comics 2016
Written by Serge Lehman
Penciled by Stephane Crety
Inked by Julien Hugonnard-Bert
Coloured by Gaetan Georges
Lettered by Cat Connery
Translated by Edward Gauvin

   Frank Braffort has returned from war suffering from PTSD, but he is thrown headfirst into a terrifying new reality where phenomena, called Anomalies, appear out of nowhere. Facing this mysterious and lethal enemy, Braffort is called on to go into battle once again for the safety of the city!

   This is a prime example of why I think everyone should be reading the books Titan puts on stands. This is a translated version of a comic that debuted last year from the setting i’m gonna say in France. Personally I love that we’re seeing more comics from around the world and being introduced to new writers and artists like this and Titan really has gone above and beyond bringing these to American audiences.

   Also the first thing I noticed was Stephane’s interior artwork. The attention to detail is phenomenal here and the use of page layouts using angles, perspective and the backgrounds really draws you in. There really is some breathtaking work going on here with him and Gaetan. I love the whole scope, tone and feel of this book and how it really kind of gets under your skin and takes you to places you’ve never been. Plus the way that Paris is depicted here as this new more futuristic and modern style city is rather impressive.

   As for the writing here i’m extremely impressed with not only the characterisation, which is incredibly well done, but with the way the introduction of this story goes. From the opening where we see Frank and his squad on patrol which is being talked about as if it were a report on Frank gives both insight into what may be happening as well as letting us see the events that lead up to the present. His current situation outside the military and ending up living with his sister.

   We get glimpses, bits and pieces of what this new world is like. From sentient robotics and beings of immense power that are emerging to the factions running for office in Paris wanting to be the Prefect, I think that’s like the President, of the city.   So we given a few different looks and angles of this world that will be explored more in the coming issues. What Serge does with the writing is create a viable future that isn’t so far off. It’s within in the realm of what is possible with current technology, okay so superhuman types that’s not as possible but hey it’s science fiction.

   One aspect of this that i’m enjoying is that we are getting to see the city and how things have changed alongside Frank. He’s been in military service while the changes have taken place so we’re seeing things through his eyes as well as our own so the wonder and awe is quite palpable.

   With strong writing and stunning interiors this is a welcome addition to modern science fiction storytelling about a world that could very well be our own.

Grimm Fairy Tales Genesis

11/23/2016

Grimm Fairy Tales Genesis
Zenescope Entertainment 2016
Red Agent
Written by Lou Iovino
Penciled by Anthony Spay
Inked by Jacob Bear
Coloured by Sanju Nivangune & Grostieta
Lettered Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios
Day of the Dead
Written by Joe Brusha
Illustrated by Allan Otero
Coloured by Erick Arciniega
Hellchild
Written by Pat Shand
Penciled by Sheldon Goh
Inked by Jacob Bear
Coloured by Walter Baiamonte & Francesca Cartotenuto
OZ
Written by Meredith Finch
Illustrated by JG Miranda
Coloured by Ceci de la Cruz
Death
Written by Ralph Tedesco
Illustrated by Renzo Rodriguez
Coloured by Fran Gamboa & J.C. Ruiz

   Welcome to the Grimm Universe, where both dreams and nightmares come true. In this special over-sized issue, you will meet Britney Waters, the enigmatic Red Agent... Mystere, a young woman with power over the dead... Hellchild, the heir to the throne of the Underworld... the Warlord of Oz, before he took on that legendary title... and the murderous but noble goddess of Death.

   I’ve been saying for the past year or so that Zenescope has been moving forward to a new era of storytelling and this really showcases that move to more intelligent and creepy storytelling. What I like about this oversized issue is that each vignette is just enough to really set the stage for what we’ll be seeing in 2017. With the return of some much beloved characters alongside some of the newer ones it seems that Zenescope has some mighty big plans in store for the new year.

   Red Agent is one I’ve been looking forward to. I like the whole Mission Impossible team angle that has been put together. And while the story here focuses only on Britney that’s okay because she’s team leader. If the writing and the artwork we get here are going to be the same crew that brings the next adventure to life i’m thoroughly excited. Lou does an amazing job writing these and the attention to detail and the use of page layouts for the story are so impressive.

   Mystere was part of the class at Arcane Acres and it’s nice to see her have her own story expand further after that series ended. Part of me wishes she were in a group with her old classmates but this time around we’ll be able to really delve into her character and see how her powers work both in practical use and on her mind. From what we see here Joe’s going to really bring us more about her and the connection to her powers and i’m hoping that we’ll see more of the struggle between life and death in her character as she gets stronger.

   Hellchild is one of those that we are seeing everywhere right now. So being who she is it’s no surprise that next year will be a big year for the half god/half vampire. I’m kind of enamoured with this segment because of what Pat brings us with this underground fight club and the further exploration of these monsters that inhabit the world. The interiors are phenomenal in their attention to detail and the classics they invoke.   Here’s hoping that her journey will continue to explore the darkest regions of this universe as she continues to find where she fits in.

   Oh I can never get enough of Oz. These flying blue apes are magnificent creatures and I love seeing them in action! Joe seems to want to explore how the Warlord comes into being and the look back at his rise to power should be interesting. How he’s conditioned to hate who his birth mother is and how he’s used along the way in a quest for power could be extremely interesting. I hope Joe takes his time to really flesh out the characterisation and tell a smooth story with this one.

   Ralph’s Keres story feels like it belongs in Tales of Terror. It’s short, sweet, concise and gets the point beautifully. If this were the type of stories we’ll see in the future regarding her where she’s actively pursuing people and not narrating then i’m all for it. She’s remained a mysterious figure since her introduction and there’s really no reason to not explore her while keeping enigmatic still.

   Smart, intelligent and fascinating looks at what they have in store for these characters and I cannot wait. It looks like Zenescope is going to continue being a force in the realm of horror fantasy storytelling!

Athena Voltaire and the Volcano Goddess #1

11/23/2016

Athena Voltaire and the Volcano Goddess #1
Action Lab Entertainment 2016
Written, Illustrated & Lettered by Steve Bryant
Coloured by Jim Nelson
Colour Assists by Drew Browne

   When her father gains possession of a legendary necklace, Athena Voltaire must save him from both strange assassins and the Nazis, who want the power the artifact could unlock!

   Since I read my first Athena story i’ve been hooked and she’s been missing from the market for way too long now so i’m thrilled that she’s with Action Lab! She’s a little Indiana Jones with some Lara Croft thrown in for good measure. She’s an Aviatrix as well so she traverses the world fighting Nazi’s and the occult and has a nice supporting cast around her. She’s one of those characters who you just can’t help but fall for, Steve does a magnificent job with her characterisation and her adventures.

   One of the things I like about this issue is that not only is it a great refresher course for those like me who’ve not read her adventures in awhile but it’s also extremely well done for first time readers as well. It’s not alway easy to make the two work in concert like this but Steve manages it extremely well.

   Right from the start we get Nazi’s in Hawaii planning something, at this point in time we aren’t privy to that knowledge but suffice it to say it has a fiery start. This gets the adrenaline pumping and we’re off to a banging start. It draws you in nicely by piquing the curiosity.   We then switch to Athena and what she’s currently up to. What I like about this is that we see the tail end of her current adventure, none of the lead up just the ending. So we’re getting a great look at her resourcefulness, rapier like wit and Agent Forsyth.

   Steve finishes that story and guides us into this one. Let it not be said that Athena can’t go from daredevil to temptress because heaven knows she’s capable of using those feminine wiles of hers. I do like how the entire issue and is geared towards us learning about what her father is up to and how that ties into her and what’s going to happen. Whether she wants to be involved with what’s happening is usually irrelevant as she ends up involved regardless.

   Steve’s interiors are nicely done as well. The use of page layouts with their angles and perspective are nice to see. Personally i’d like more backgrounds but that’s me and when you are doing all the chores I know time is tight. Still what he brings us is some very nice attention to detail and the style of clothes, cars and planes that we see are all very true to form. His research into the look and feel of the era shines through his work. Truthfully it wouldn’t hurt to have people dress so dapperly again.

   I’m really impressed with this issue, how the story flows the level of interior artwork and the way it grabs the reader’s attention. I like research into the material so that the occult aspects and the Nazi’s seamless fit.   It’s got a strong story/premise going on and the pacing is excellent. It’s nice to see once again a woman can be strong, assertive, feminine and carry her own book so extraordinarily well.

Grimm vol.2 #3

11/22/2016

Grimm vol.2 #3
Dynamite Entertainment 2016
Written by Caitlin Kittredge
Illustrated by Maria Sanapo & German Erramouspe
Coloured by Chris O’Halloran
Lettered by Tom Napolitano

   For three-plus years, Portland policeman Nick Burkhardt has fought crime both traditional and monstrous in his role of a Grimm, hunter of hidden fantastical beasts among us known as wesen. Unknown by Nick or anyone else, his longstanding love, Juliette Silverton has recently been transformed into a wesen as well. . .specifically a hexenbiest, possessor of great powers that come with the potential corruption of her soul. How long can she keep her secret,
especially when she finds herself in more than a little danger? “By the pricking of my thumbs,
something wicked this way comes.”

   I’m totally into the fact that this is a tale that stars not only just the women but it takes place before everyone found out Juliette was a Hexenbiest. So there’s still some great opportunities to flesh out the characterisation and see how she kind of got to that point where the Biest took over her personality more and more. Granted we know how things turn out in the long run but what Caitlin is doing is great stuff nonetheless because she’s exploring new avenues for characters that we haven’t seen before while keeping them true to who they are.

   For instance take the meeting between Juliette and Adalind. It’s rather deliciously written and it really suits both characters to a T at this point in time in their history.   I really am impressed with the characterisation throughout the story so far. Adding to the mix a gang of female hexenbiests who the girls have to take down well that’s just icing on the cake here. Of course that the gang is working to pay off a man well that’s another story altogether. Still it’s nice to see this kind of girl power coming into play as in the show they don’t get to really shine like they are doing here.

   The interiors here are pretty strong. Even though they don’t really look like the characters from the show they have all that fun, sassy and flirty quality that embodies them. The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and the use of backgrounds help completely tell the story visually and add some great characterisation of it’s own. I will say though that when the wesen vogue it’d be nicer to see something more horrific or menacing.

   The pacing of this story from Caitlin is extremely well done. There are equal measures of action and characterisation that keep things moving forward nicely. The constant ebb and flow of what’s happening keep things interesting and our attention rapt. That they are having a harder time in getting to the root of it all and how the cast has been assembled, yes including Adalind, has been one of the strengths here.

   This is a great compliment to the television series while still being a standalone story. Dynamites ability to take a franchise and keep it coming to a new audience while remaining true to the source material while making fresh and new is a reason I keep coming back to their books.

Assassin's Creed Last Descendants #3

11/22/2016

Assassin’s Creed Last Descendants #3
Titan Comics 2016
Written by Ian Edginton
Illustrated by Caspar Wijngaard
Coloured by Triona Farrell
Lettered by Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt

   With the trail ending at the British Museum, Tommy ― along with London Assassins Evie Frye and Henry Green, fledgling writer Mark Twain, and the London Met’s Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline ― made haste for the institution, only for Tommy to end up on the wrong end of a Templar blade!

   This issue we got back to the kids at the institute for a bit. We’ve seen that Isaiah is using the kids for his own purpose and pretty much without remorse but Sean’s a unique case. As he and Nat have talked in the past and we see now he’s pushing himself beyond any reasonable limit but he won’t stop. As wrapped up in the mystery of what he’s experiencing as well as having the use of his legs again he’s determined not to stop regardless of what this experience is doing to his health.

   Meanwhile back in time we see some interesting things like the beginnings of a bullet proof vest. Interesting turn of events to say the least though Sean’s reaction to what’s happened feels very real. So going back in to see what happened from at least one angle makes sense, i’d want to know what happened next. Though honestly i’d also want to wait till I was sure I wouldn’t have epic technicolour yawn either.

   So while we’re in the past one thing really struck me and it feels like Caspar’s interiors kind of slacked a bit. The backgrounds are fantastic but the “in focus” stuff feels like he didn’t have enough time to spend on them as he has been. There’s more of less finished cartoon style going on here. Could it be my own perception I suppose but there are times when it just feels like more of a let down to what we’ve been seeing. Almost as if doing a monthly book and it’s scheduling caught up to him.

   I like that we’re seeing both the past and the present this issue. It means that we’re finally getting to see more of the things that are behind the scenes. I mean Isaiah is part one of the organisations that are seeking the pieces of eden for some unknown reasons and that we’re getting to see more interaction in that arena fleshes out why he’s using Sean so hard. Plus Nat and the siblings have their own doubts about the legitimacy of what’s going on here and if we get to see more of their snooping and comparing notes and such well it becomes more of a thriller.

   That there’s more going on here than examining the past for clues to the Pieces of Eden takes this to a place that’s infinitely more interesting. As much as I like the idea of living your ancestor’s life there has to be more to it than that and we’re seeing the beginning of a revolution of the test subjects, well i’m hoping, as they try to figure out why they are there. I can’t wait to see where Ian is going to take this next. As he keeps blending the past and the present into a new cohesive story i’m getting more excited about this title.

Britannia #3

11/22/2016

Britannia #3
Valiant Entertainment 2016
Written by Peter Milligan
Illustrated by Juan Jose Ryp
Coloured by Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by Dave Sharpe

   Emperor Nero, hearing of Atonius’ abilities, sends him to Britannia to solve a dark mystery: someone--or something--is killing Roman Soldiers. Many of the Legionaires believe a demon hunts them. As Axia traces the clues to a forest, he is ambushed.

   This has been a very well thought out and executed story. Axis’ own journey to this far away land ties into his past in ways he and we never thought it would. I like that this kind of strips away the romanticism of history and gives it this dark depth that explores more common ideology of the time. Plus there’s something exciting about seeing the birth of the detectioner in history that’s thrilling even if the circumstances are shrouded in more occult ways.

   In some ways I miss the fact that the world is able to believe in rituals and magic, fighting demons that come to prey upon our minds. Whether they are true or not is up to those who have the experience but still the nature of what we see here with his encounter in the woods with both the mad Legionnaire as well as with the angry spirit and the work it took to save him from it. The Wyrd Woman to me seems very much like a Druid type character who uses the Earth and it’s forms to come to his aid. It’s this blending of what we know and what could have been that make this so much fun to explore. Peter is taking the reality and the mythology behind them and creating something exciting and spectacular to witness.

   Juan’s interiors here continue to amaze me. His attention to detail is stunning and the scope of what he puts on the page is truly inspirational. The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and the use of backgrounds immerse the reader in what’s happening beautifully. The characters themselves take on a life of their own and through their facial expressions and body language we get more characterisation than through the words alone.

   I like that we see so much layering in the story here as well. From Axis’ past with the birth of his son, to the Wyrd Woman and what she’s going through to the Legionnaires and their feelings of Rome, Nero and being so far from home all coming into play with. It’s not unlike a perfect storm of circumstances that meet up and create something much more powerful and deadly than that which you would normally see. The effects of the environment, superstition and the battle fatigue that preys upon the mind creates scenarios that you don’t see as much today.

   As Axis continues to do what he’s been tasked to do will he find the answers he seeks or will he succumb to forces that are beyond his control? Who knows but he’s out of his depth here with those whose power is unlike any he’s ever witnessed. With all his training from his days as a warrior and with the Vestal Virgins be enough to see him through this? We’ll find out next issue.

   Valiant has introduced someone that is beyond a doubt one of the most intriguing new character creations. Here’s to hoping that this will be the first in a series of stories to feature him and his adventures.

Hadrian's Wall #3

11/22/2016

Hadrian’s Wall #3
OSSM/Image Comics 2016
Written by Kyle Higgins & Alec Siegel
Illustrated by Rod Reis
Lettered by Troy Peteri
Designed by Rich Bloom

   2085, pill-popping investigator Simon Moore has been sent to the survey ship Hadrian’s Wall to “rubber stamp” the accidental death of one of its crew, Edward Madigan. However, on closer investigation, Simon has come to believe that Edward was murdered, now, everyone’s a suspect...including Simon’s ex-wife, Annabelle. Whoever killed edward has also flushed Simon’s pain medication down the drain, causing him to start going through withdrawal….

   The whole way this story has been setup has been incredibly well done. A death on a faraway ship using the man whose wife was taken by victim thinking he’d be happy to have him dead and write up an immediate accidental report is a no brainer. Only Simon is more interested in the truth than revenge against the man who took wife. As the story keeps unraveling we see more and more that this whole thing is has been orchestrated by one known and one unknown perpetrator.

   Simon’s characterisation throughout this story has been wonderfully evolving. From the moment his medication was discovered put down a sink drain the clock started ticking. Now he’s in the throes of withdrawal and while that seems to be affecting his mind he’s still determined to push through it and figure out exactly what happened to Edward. I like how certain facts are being brought to life here as well. With someone planting evidence that Simon cannot be trusted to his job now that he’s asking too many questions to his own self-doubt in controlling what he’s going through.

   Rod’s interiors here are pretty great at showcasing Simon’s withdrawal. I like the sweat that we see on his face and the tired look in his eyes they show how much this is affecting him. The use of page layouts with angles, perspective and the backgrounds do a great job controlling the flow of the story. The use of colour to show off the screens and light sources are well thought out and executed.

   As the mystery of who and why Edward was killed still eludes Simon that he’s somewhat oblivious to the fact that persons on this ship are out to sabotage his efforts keep the excitement levels high. That we still have that mystery person and that the story keeps going places where we as a reader cannot pinpoint who that person is is exceptionally well done. With a plethora of suspects connecting the dots here is hard to do. So hats off to the boys as they continue to put Simon through his paces.

   I can’t say i’m surprised by the level of writing here because while I am a fan of Kyle’s past work what does surprise me is how effectively he and Alec are able to keep us in the dark regarding the mystery conspirator.

   This is a wonderfully crafted and executed space whodunnit that is sure to thrill mystery lovers and sci-fi lovers alike!

Aliens Life and Death #3

11/19/2016

Aliens Life and Death #3 (of 4)
Dark Horse Comics 2016
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Moritat
Coloured by Rain Beredo
Lettered by Michael Heisler

   Captain Paget and her Colonial Marines—along with assorted survivors from ill-fated missions to the planets LV-797 and LV-223—went through hell to finally make it safely back to the USS Hasdrubal, only to discover that one member of their party, Chris, believed to be dead, was still alive on the surface of LV-223—inside an Alien hive! When Paget led a rescue mission back to the planet, the team encountered two others of the presumed dead—Galgo and his Predator companion, Ahab. Together, they make their way to the hive to save Chris . . .even though they may be too late!

   This one has it all folks everything we’ve wanted to see from the franchise in one story. Chris is a guest of the Queen, safe for now as she incubates one of the xenomorphs inside her. Galgo and Ahab are running around and the Engineer on the planet is wreaking all kinds of havoc stranding everyone here. Dan does a brilliant job intertwining all the various arcs into one cohesive story as revelations and surprises abound.

   I love that Chris understands what is happening to her and that she doesn’t want the resources spent on finding her. This mission is not only foolhardy but we all knew it was suicide from the moment of its conception. Still love does crazy things and we saw what deal Jill was willing to broker to ensure her wife was taken care of. Though if by some miracle they do manage to get Chris off planet no one can be prepared for the birth of a new Queen.

   I think how Dan is tying in that black goo, the Engineer and the Predator into this story like it’s something that’s been the status quo from the franchises inceptions is extremely well thought out and executed. Taking familiar things and giving them a new twist on this planet that has been given new life thanks to that black goo really leaves an impact.

   Moritat brings his unique style to this incredibly well. His eye for storytelling using page layouts with their angles and perspective really bring into this so very well. His depiction of the xenomorphs are great to see. The characters all have great individual looks and express emotion through facial expressions and body language. The violence we see is both brutal and yet tastefully done so there’s no excessive gore to be seen. This really does evoke the fear, anger and anguish of the franchise extremely well.

   With how this issue ends i’m excited to see how the next one begins. I mean there’s really that whole sense of confusion, terror and absolute thrills that the guys have brought to us. While we may not get a whole slew more of the movies that explore this universe we’re getting some of the very best storytelling possible to keep the franchise alive and well. That i’m on the edge of my seat anxiously awaiting the next issue is proof positive they are doing something right.

Insufferable Home Field Advantage #2

11/19/2016

Insufferable Home Field Advantage #2
IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Mark Waid
Illustrated by Peter Krause
Coloured by Nolan Woodard
Lettered by Troy Peteri

Nocturnus and his son Galahad were crime-fighting partners until a generational rift fractured the team and sent them off in different directions. Nocturnus became reclusive and shadowy, while Galahad became a millionaire celebrity. Now, however, a threat to their home city has forced them to team up one last time to save both St. Barrington and their friend, Meg...

Well father and son may be at odds but there’s one thing they both agree on, okay two, that they need to protect the city and rescue Meg. Can they finally put aside their differences and do what needs doing or will their egos get in the way allowing the bad guys to win once and for all?

I really do like the characterisation that’s going on here. While they may have completely different views one things for certain since all this began and that’s that Galahad still trusts Nocturnus and his plans. Maybe there is hope after all for two men cut from the same cloth to come together and heal old wounds after all the bonds of family are the strangest ones around. Also it’s nice to see that sometimes old habits die hard as well which is what makes those bonds strain, kind of like an elastic band that you hope doesn’t snap in two.

I love the work Peter and Nolan are doing on the interiors. The use of page layouts through angles, perspective and those backgrounds all filled with that incredible attention to detail really bring the heightened sense of drama, emotion and action to life beautifully. The facial expressions and body language here do as much for the characterisation as Mark’s words do and that’s the sign of a strong partnership.

I like that even in the moments where there isn’t any action happening the story is advancing nicely. The pacing of this is so strong and demonstrates why Mark has maintained his status as a premiere storyteller for so long. The set up for what’s coming next is extremely well done and the drama it leaves you with, that anticipation is electric. Also that we see just as much with Mr. Malvolia as we do only serves to strengthen the dire straits that the Meg is in and the conflict that is inevitable.

This is all around one of the strongest series that I’ve seen in terms of how the storytelling has been through words and pictures. The complete look at the characters and their motivations and differences not only highlight how they operate but show us their reasoning behind them. Mark and Peter have created a very strong new universe where the heroes and villains don’t always behave the way we expect and yet are just as thrilling and adventurous as it can possibly be.