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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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Albert Einstein: Time Mason #2

11/30/2018

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Albert Einstein: Time Mason #2
Action Lab Entertainment 2018
Written by Marcus Perry
Illustrated & Lettered by Tony Donley


      After taking a quantum leap into the future to retrieve his stolen brain, Albert is hot on the trail of the temporal thief. So get ready for a blast to the past…

      Doc Brown did this in the Back to the Future as he travelled through time to see periods that he fancied only this time around things are decidedly more deadly. I like the idea of the Time Mason’s playing on the whole mystery surround the Mason’s themselves. They are right up there with the Illuminati shrouded in mystery and intrigue only here they are so religiously based. Also there’s that talk about the Templar's becoming Mason’s after the Church had no more use for them. So what better organisation then the mysterious builders of the Masons to enshroud things even further? These guys really have stuck a chord and possibly some precious gems with this one.

      The opening here is pretty effin spectacular. I love seeing Roman soldiers as they transport what appears to be the covenant of the ark to the Caspian Gates. While the boys have taken some liberties with how these things appear they still fulfil the purpose of the originals intent plus it has the added bonus of being something that readers will want to look will want to look up and see truth about. This is a huge advantage of doing a book like this in the all-ages spectrum of storytelling. While it’s somewhat historically accurate natural liberties were taken and overall this is superbly done and almost feels like a continuing alternate reality tale.

     The way that this book is structured is exceedingly well done. The way that we see people and places introduced so that they keep the story moving forward with some great plot points is exciting to see. Also I adore the fact that we are seeing the depiction of this specific era in time being portrayed as they should be, smart and full of inventors creating things that we still look at today and wonder how it’s done. I mean there are buildings and monuments that we couldn’t reproduce today with all our vaunted technology and to see that here is prefect.

      Huge, my hands are huge, fan of the interior artwork here as well. I love the way we see the way that the linework is manipulated through its varying weights to create some bloody marvellous attention to detail. That the mechanisation that we see so that these objects move is wonderfully done. Then to see Albert’s bat-cave in all it’s resplendent glory yeah it is completely wow factors the Nth degree. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a stellar eye for storytelling. That we see backgrounds utilised as they are is a thing of beauty as well as it really does wonders in expanding the story and the size and scope of what we see. The colours too are wonderfully done as wee the gold and the bright colours throughout just add so much to story with their vibrancy.

      One aspect of this book that I like is that Albert is no Sherlock Holmes. Meaning he isn’t much of a detective really, sure he’s smart and yes he’s got knowledge and some skill when it comes to fighting and getting away with things but his more reactionary then offensive in how we see him. This really isn’t a detriment just an observation but he’s going to have to become much faster on the up-tick if he’s going to find and take out his Nazi opponent. Who I want to see much more of soon because by all accounts he’s terribly interesting and a great adversary.
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     With a strong concept/premise and story/plot development intermingled with this level of characterisation makes for some fine almost old school pulp style reading. Add in these interiors and this what comics are all about and why we fell in love with the genre originally.

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Whispers in Necropolis #1

11/30/2018

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Whispers in Necropolis #1
Codex Entertainment 2016
Written by Luis Torres & Heath West
Illustrated by Nestor Tahtiado, Tomasz Witas, Bryan Golden
Marc Oliver & Joseba Morales


       Unearth the ghostly secrets contained in the twisted and macabre tales of Grimsmont City and its devious residents. Each book consists of four unique and twisted horror stories, hosted by the ghostly "Storyteller", and one pinup poster. You are greeted by The Storyteller. You accept her invitation into Grimsmont City. Your first stop is Mr. Townsons Pizza & Games.

      This is from a couple years ago and it’s the Freshman release so I wasn’t expecting perfection I was expecting to be entertained. Oh I was entertained that’s for sure and I guessing you will be too should you decide that taking a walk on the macabre side of the street is up your alley. This is how an anthology should be, four stories that have some meat to them so we can somewhat get to know the folks as things play out before our eyes.

       The way the book is structured is superb to see. Most anthology books while being a part of a theme are separate stories from each other in every way. The fact that each of these segments I set in the same town, so we see businesses and such that kind of weave their way through all four stories is pretty damn unique. I love that about this, the originality and the chutzpah to not only set them all in the same town but to let each one kind of bleed peripherally into the others yeah that is impressive. I am disappointed in the this Storyteller, Theodosia, we meet. I was hoping she’d be more Tales from the Crypt than Vanna White.

     There are moments where I thought okay this is kind weird then gross and finally what the hell and what’s gonna happen to this dude. I mean if you do something and let it make you become this monster well I wanna see the monster in action. I do like the idea of the descent of man and how hey handles this mentally because the sudden change in someone well that’s what I want to see, delve into the madness and make him horrific in his new identity.

     Sometimes when you have an anthology the different styles of the artists can compete with one another. That is never intentional but when you have different artists and add humans with their own tastes and likes well you know what comes next. Here each one while bringing their own uniqueness to the series doesn’t do that I like how the editorial folk decided who followed who. The Crying Jack scene with the dad when he gets it, that knob really it’s out of place perspective wise and who cares if it’s a man’s hairy ass in a shower. I would encourage not to censor moments like that but hey that’s just me. I have say throughout the utilisation of page layouts and how we see perspective and angles in the panels shows off some great eyes for storytelling. The linework in each one is strong and expressive and with the colours the really manage to get the over tones, moods and emotions to the reader.

     I am extremely impressed with this book. The writing is good, the subject matter is fantastic and while it may not be traditional horror that’s going on here that doesn’t mean it won’t creep you out. Somehow without gore these folks have managed to keep this Teen and up in nature and trust me when I say that is all kinds of awesome. Then of course there is the fact that the stories don’t all follow any kind of set pattern. We’ve got Urban Legends, Demons, Cultural Supernatural and Madman Serial Killer which in all honesty this kind of diversity is what we want to see. Nothing gets boring and each one holds the promise of sub-genre all of which deliver on so many levels.
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     I love supporting indie/self-published creators and companies. These are the voices of the future, they aren’t in it for the glory they are in it because they love the medium and are passionate about what they do. Most have day jobs and do comics at night and weekends so to be able to unleash this kind of creativity and for the reader to feel everything they want us to and more. I think you should go check em out and check this and get a coy for yourself I give it an 8.5/10 and I cannot wait to see these creators grow and come into their own.


Head here the site http://www.codexent.com/ you get all the information you need and buy their books too.

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Quincredible #1

11/30/2018

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Quincredible #1
Lion Forge/Catalyst Prime 2018
Written by Rodney Barnes
Illustrated by Selina Espiritu
Coloured by Kelly Fitzpatrick
Lettered by AW’s Tom Napolitano


      Quinton, a high school sophomore, is looking to live his best life by moonlighting as a superhero. The catch? His power is invulnerability--and that's the only power he has. Naturally, he does the thing any fifteen year old would do and sets out to save the day, but he's going to have to get creative if he's planning on taking on bad guys with only 120 pounds of power behind those fists.

     I think that Lion Forge has literally struck gold with the Catalyst Prime line of books. They have managed to do something that no one had thought possible and created a superhero universe from the ground up full of interesting and diverse characters. There is no need for gender or race swapping. This is brilliantly done and it keeps expanding at a stellar rate. We aren’t bombarded with new books and characters, their releases are staggered and each one is able to stand on it’s own independently from the rest while still remaining a part of a larger universe.

     I like Quinton he’s an affable fellow who is naturally too smart for his own good and has those awkward social skills that come with being an adolescent boy with raging hormones. From what I can determine he is freakishly smart and with his power I think it would be interesting to see him as this invulnerable Brainiac 5 character. He is working on a home security system for his house and at this age to be so well versed with computers, which isn’t exactly uncommon nowadays, he could with his intelligence create a suit that enhances his strength or just enough gadgets and gizmos to give him an edge in battle. Regardless the fact that my mind is running through scenarios here means that Rodney has introduced a character with unlimited potential.

      The way the book is structured is well done and it’s nice to see that as the story meanders around we get this level of characterisation. It also introduces us to his home-town of New Orleans and those that could/will make up his supporting cast of characters and even a possible threat. Dr. King was an inspirational man who’s vision and dream of a better world was more universal. Dr. Davis on the other hand seems to talk to his followers urging them on through hatred and conspiracy theory which is what is all too common in today’s world, Rev. Sharpton is a great example. So I see so much here that can be expanded upon and educated with.

     I do rather like the interiors here. The way that we see the linework here is fantastic as the varying weights are used to great very nice attention to detail and to fill up the panels extremely well. The way the linework is utilised to bring the characters to life with their faces, facial expressions and unique properties is exceptionally well done. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a lovely and solid eye for storytelling. The colours here as absolutely incredible as well, the way we see highlights and lowlights in the work, the gradation in places, like Dr. Davis hair with it’s black to white grey, makes moments stand out. Backgrounds are utilised well, I’d like to see fewer solid colour backgrounds but hey, to expand the story, moments and even show the size and scope of the city.
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     With brief interactions and guest cameo’s of other heroes that solidify this is a part of that universe it still manages to be more about influence than anything else. The dialogue throughout is stellar stuff that makes the reader think and try to expand their own mindset and accept that which we may not be fully familiar with. Quinton is an exceptional young man and his future is wide open to whatever he wants it to be. I look forward to seeing how this creative team navigates his life.

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Stars End #1

11/29/2018

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Stars End #1
Antarctic Press 2018
Written by Selena McDevitt & Larry Spike Jarrell
Pencilled by Larry Spike Jarrell
Inked by Bill Marimon & Larry Spike Jarrell
Coloured by Alethea Von Holland & DK Boss


       6,000 years ago, the Annunaki, visitors to Earth, departed with numerous animals as subjects for study and DNA experiments. Centuries in the future, these evolved beasts, collectively known as N'Naki, have created vast civilizations in the Sirius system, with humans serving as their worker bees. One group of N'Naki are given a pre-graduation duty: Scan a mining world of human workers that's fallen victim to a viral infection before the planet is demolished to stop the disease from spreading. But when a sixteen-year-old Annunaki girl turns up, the mission quickly becomes anything but routine.

       There are a few things that I found myself liking about this book. Now I have had my mind opened more lately to these anthropomorphic animal stories, more so when like this one they aren’t mean to be cute. These N’Naki are races of animal species and they are highly intelligent, trained in a myriad of disciplines and as we meet them here we see just how advanced they’ve become. Of course there are plenty of humans in space too but they are seen as slave labour, a race that breeds much too quickly and are inherently disposable. It really is a nice turn around from what we normally see. While humans are regarded highly they aren’t hunted either which is a fresh take all around.

       I like the way this book is structured. The opening page with the credits has a not so brief background on the idea for this series. it’s a great thing to read too since it really does help put everything into perspective and gives us a better understanding of how things got to where they are here. With that it’s easy to just jump into the story without having to worry about origins or needing backstory. This allows them to really let the story take centre stage and for some amazing characterisation start right away.

       While the uniforms and setting make me think of an alternate version of Star Trek with kids who have just graduated the Academy it really seems to fit with the whole overall attitude of the story at hand. I hadn’t seen that really when I was reading it but writing this it really jumps out at me so impressive is a very good word for how all this plays out. The ebb & flow of the story and how we see things start to play out here opens up this path of possibilities and it looks like the road less travelled may be the one they take but we’ll see.

     I love the interiors here. The linework is gorgeous and how it’s used to create those really nice crisp clean lines in the attention to detail is great to see. The colours too here are sensational, bright and vibrant and in three dimension holograms it definitely leaves an impact. There is something to be said for how lovely and bright the colours are making me think of the Saturday Mornings of my youth. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a good solid eye for storytelling. The way that the backgrounds are utilised is also nice to see and really fleshes out the moments they are in and give us a nice sense of size and scope to the story.
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     I love being surprised and kept on my toes and I am reading a story and that certainly happens here a number of times. There is a nice build-up of tension and we are left with a sense of dread by how the book ends. Antarctic Press has quietly been putting out some of the most interesting and well executed books and they run the gauntlet of genre’s and ages. Make sure your local comic shoppe is ordering these.

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Snap, Flash, Hustle #1

11/29/2018

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Snap, Flash, Hustle #1
Black Mask Studios 2018
Created & Written by Pat Shand
Created & Illustrated by Emily Pearson
Lettered by Jim Campbell


         Rated M for Mature
       Haley Mori, a downtrodden alternative-model, happens upon a secret society of elite models in NYC that are using their platforms to sell narcotics. Seeing a possible escape from a lifetime of crushing debt, Haley becomes involved and works her way up the ranks, making new alliances and enemies alike while getting a taste of a power she never knew she craved.

       We all like a strong and suspenseful opening that grabs our attention and makes us want to see and know more. Well this one has that and so much more. I mean that first page wow you just look at the panels and think what the hell is going on here! Emily steals the spotlight here with this and there are little things about it that make you raise the eyebrow but that dude asleep on the side-walk under a blanket with a pillow that’s one that I’ll never understand and I’ll never forget. This is a great opening for not only a #1 but for a first issue of a brand new series.

       I like the way that this is structured. The opening is what grabs us and then we’ve got to back and see the events that lead to it. So the second opening here takes us back to Haley doing a photo shoot with a photographer. From the sound of things he’s not very professional and if it were me I’d have either left with the money or his the equivalent in his equipment. Still I like this because it actually set the stage for her characterisation and how we as the reader see her. Sometimes we get a starting point for a character a baseline if you will so we can gauge her progress as she grows and evolves into a different version of herself.

      When she gets home to her husband we see her personal life and I am a little surprised. Also can we get rid of the term Thropple and use Triad instead? I don’t care what’s popular right now that just sounds so stupid to use a made up term when there already was one in use that summed things up nicely. Stupid straight people. These days we keep seeing a surge of girls and women claiming to be models, be it Instagram models or whatnot and whatever platform it is they aren’t real models they just don’t want to work for a living, that’s how I see them begging for attention and money for putting themselves in selfies. Can you tell I am a grumpy old gay man heh. Regardless of personal belief’s the way Pat puts all this into the story is exceptionally well done and I have my reaction to it and so will you.

      Emily surprised me with her work on the interiors here. Now I am not certain if this done on a computer or not but there are some very interesting moments that don’t look normal to me. I love that skirt by the way and there’s something in the hair and the highlights that strikes my notice. Sometimes things seem just a bit out of focus but it isn’t annoying or anything it’s a style of art and here I am talking about it so it’s rather effective. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a nice eye for storytelling. I love seeing the backgrounds here they really do flesh out the city and expand moments beautifully.
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     Through a series of unfortunate events, or maybe they are fortuitous depending on your point of view, Haley finds herself in a situation she is totally unprepared for. The way Pat is telling this with the whole concept, the way we see the story & plot development and some incredibly strong characterisation keeps us glued to the page. The idea is brilliant and it’s execution is pretty near flawless and just keeps showing us why Black Mask is a company that should be on all our lips.

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The List #1

11/29/2018

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The List #1
Self-Published 2018
Written by James Stimpson
Illustrated by Liana Recchione


       Sal works for Santa Squad, an elite organisation of Secret Santas and their Elves who take care of Christmas each year; from delivering presents to saving children, they’ve got it covered. In charge of Santa Squad is Jesus Christ. Yes that one, it’s the celebration of his birth after all. Sal and Jesus don’t exactly see eye-to-eye. Jesus wants Sal to understand that helping the few is better than helping none but Sal thinks he can do more and vehemently disagrees with Jesus’ statement of “Help them too much and they come to rely upon you”.

       First of all I don’t celebrate Christmas I celebrate Channukah so what I see here with the exception of Jesus are things that I found to be an interesting take. As long as the myth of Kris Kringle has been around we’ve wondered how he’s able to get around the world and deliver to so many children? This is one take on that and I have to admit I really really like the way these two present their option. Much like a clandestine society with rules and regulations or say the Illuminati or any of those style of groups. I love that idea and I love seeing how it’s set-up and run. Also though I question the presence of Jesus I can let that go.

       I like the way that this book is structured and the opening is pretty magnificent. We see a lot of things happening here and Santa is a freakin badass as he’s doing it. Trust me when I say you don’t wanna be a paedophile or do anything to hurt kids while he’s around. At first it does seem like the opening is out of place and full of things that don’t make sense but as you read and begin to really understand what’s happening it really is almost heroically sinister. When was the last time a character made you think they were heroically sinister as a descriptive?

       I like the characterisation here as well. Once we get into the happenings at the North Pole centre that really kicks up a notch. After all we get to meet a bunch of elves of which small clusters are assigned to each member to help them be as effective as they possibly can. You need to throw any preconceived notions you might have about the North Pole and all who reside there because this doesn’t and shouldn’t fit any of the previous moulds.

      Let’s talk about the interiors here now shall we. I do like the way that page layouts are utilised they aren’t standard and I like how it works for the illustrations. I will say this there needs to be more utilisation of backgrounds. I don’t like all that solid colours or white space everywhere. I do like the way that linework is utilised here. There are some wonderful strong and bold linework happening and to balance that out the more subtle work we see, and a lot of that goes into what little backgrounds we see that work so damn well. The work really does have a way of bringing out some wonderful emotion and feelings. That Halo on Jesus aside everyone have these great independent looks to them which match their personalities.

      The characters such as the elves add so much depth and dimension to the book that I wasn’t expecting and it is hella well done. Now the squad that we meet is filled with personalities and at least one that isn’t so nice. I do like what this adds to the story as well, after all what would life be like if there were no jealousy and rivalry at work. For folks who are doing their own thing on their own this is an exceptional book. This is why we need to support indie creators so they can continue to put out books like this. This is the voice of people who are leading the next generation of comics.
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      So go here to get a copy for yourself here. https://www.comixcentral.com/products/the-list-1/



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Monarchs #1

11/29/2018

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Monarchs #1
Scout Comics/Binge 2018
Created & Written by A.C. Medina
Created & Illustrated by Fernando Pinto
Coloured by Triona Farrell
Lettered by Micah Myers


      Welcome to the planet Vida, an euphoric haven of resources. The sentient race inhabiting Vida depend of the strict leadership of their rulers for guidance. Four young geniuses are tasked with discovering and instituting an ideal method of leadership to make this the utopian society that the inhabitants wish to create. A simple experiment becomes an epic story of war, discovery, good old-fashioned bragging rights and the answers to the question of what makes a leader? Do we need leaders? And if we didn't, what would happen to a world without them?

      Well the opening here was something I wasn’t expecting, well let’s be honest I hadn’t known what to expect to be begin with but it certainly wasn’t anything like this. This is as far from a bad thing as you can possibly get too plus A.C. is a writer I've known for a while and he continues to impress me with his imagination, creativity and skill each time I read a new story of his. This one is much more surprising to me it’s got a heavy kind of presence to it and it’s more on the violent side as the actions that are taken aren’t something while with double meanings is a tad shocking.

      The way that this is structured is very well done. The way that we learn what is going on in this story and how that information is released draws the reader in and captures the imagination beautifully. Then there’s the characterisation and it too has this interesting quality to it where it’s a mixture of narration, dialogue and actions that help the reader to really understand who these people are. We may or may not like them but these four people have grown up together and trained exclusively for this kind of mission. There is a great page that shows us their statistics kind of like you’d see in a Dungeons & Dragons character sheet. This gives us a kind of impression of these folks that make the combination a lot more interesting.

      The interiors here are interesting to me. They feel kind of like a cross between comics and Sunday Newspaper funnies. The imagination and creativity we see is lovely as this alien world and the species that lives on it are brought to life. Honestly however it’s the eyes that make think of the newspaper angle. Which is at odds with the way that we see the ship and technology that has some great attention to detail to it. Overall it’s a great look and as unique as it comes so that it’s as easy to find yourself swept up in the story. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a nice solid eye for storytelling. That we also get to see backgrounds utilised helps expand the story and bring us a great size and scope to the story.
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     I do like that there are four of them like the four elements however I am not sure that correlates here. The four factions that are created here, well three technically, are based on the principles that run our world and to see that being done here in the time allotted well I am both impressed and horrified. Regardless Scout Comics and it’s new imprint Binge have found a perfect offering for their first book. It has all the intrigue, awe and wonder that takes the reader on a journey and makes them question what they believe in and how they see the world around them.

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The Blackening #1

11/28/2018

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The Blackening #1
Amigo Comics 2018
Written by Massimo Rossi
Illustrated by Eduardo Mello
Coloured by Anelli
Lettered by Monkey Typers


       After The Plague, humanity was forced to regenerate itself, replacing the bodies with sophisticated machines. The new technology that saved humans from extinction seems to have nothing against their innate cruelty. Tony is one of the left humans that still enjoy feeling the simple pleasures of life... but everything goes to hell when his companion dies and his daughter is abducted.

       I really enjoyed this first issue. I love that we start off with everyone already having been replaced, well their bodies are cybernetic but their brains are the original organic brains they had before. We don’t need a lengthy backstory about how it all happened, or why and all that jazz it just is and that’s how I like to see this start off. Massimo really does do an amazing job here with how he opens the book and the overall structure of the story throughout.

       The opening is weird and interesting so that it grabs the readers attention draws them and makes them want to see more. It is nicely done and I will say that while I have no idea what’s going on it is just that which makes me want to continue. This kind of build up where you see an aftermath of some kind and a man who is tinkering with him well it it piques the curiosity in just the right way. Plus there is the two-page spread that just screams for more explanation.

       After the opening we go back and this will lead us through to the opening sequence. Okay colour me intrigued even more as the main characters in this right here are Tony and Luke, a gay married couple raising a daughter. I think I adore the fact that the first time we see them together the dialogue is priceless. This is the kind of dialogue that we see in couples who have been together a while and love each other to the point of totally honestly. They are adorable! From there as the story unfolds it has a really great ebb & flow to it that even with the whole premise of mankind having traded in their bodies for cybernetics it just feels like this could anywhere at anytime and that’s such an achievement.

      Eduardo sigh he’s such an amazing artiste. It’s nice to see that this European artiste is now getting a chance for American audiences to really see what he’s capable of. The linework here is fantastic and the bold work balances out the delicate lines beautifully. That he’s able to bring backgrounds to expand not only the size and scope of the story but to just fill up the pages so it feels like were in the office or home with the characters. The level of work being done here turns a story from ordinary to amazing. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a stellar eye for storytelling. Also I love that the colours can be bold and in your face or as subtle and muted depending on what is happening. The way this is brought to life is stunning in it’s simplicity and complexity.

     Alright so after the events that will forever change Tony’s life occur we get to meet Detective Arnhem who is going to work in finding out what happened to Tony’s daughter Skye. I love that there are clues throughout the book in the most usual and unusual of places. It all goes with the story and plot advancement and it’s pretty spectacular to see alongside the way the characterisation is used to bring the characters to life.
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     This is a stellar example of why I love European creators they have a different take and way of working that is something we rarely see. This is one of those series that you need to do yourself a favour and read it’s already an A-List book.

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The Warning #1

11/28/2018

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The Warning #1
Image Comics 2018
By Edward Laroche
Colours by Brad Simpson
Lettered by Jaymes Reed


      An enormous machine slowly materializes in a major West Coast city. Who sent it—and why—is a mystery, understood only by the malevolent beings gliding silently toward Earth through the inky vastness of space. In response, a multinational combat brigade called Gladiator Two-Six is deployed. Outfitted with next-generation military science and weapons, they're tasked with stopping any extraterrestrial threat that emerges.

       Okay while I enjoyed this very much I wish it had been the sections had been told in the opposite direction. It would have a little easier to follow and made a little more sense to me but what do I know I am just writing about what I see. The opening itself is sensational I loved the whole idea of it and it makes the reader think, use their brains and that kind of storytelling always makes me happy. Still the way it’s presented and how exactly it comes across is really something to see.

       I like the way each segment is structured. Each one has a nice flow to it, separated by a page with a logo style insignia on a black background. The first is pretty long and it’s gives us a decent look at the soldier’s who are being checked on board their transport plane. It is rather good too because it’s all about glimpses, we only get bits and pieces of information from them. It’s enough for us to be intrigued and have that itch you can’t scratch quality to it. Each one leaves you wanting more and how they all fit together.

       As we read the further back in time it goes, granted the first is three months earlier so it isn’t that far back. This introduces us to Dr. Freya Lin who it seems has has a few problems of her own. She’s smoking and snorting up a white substance we’ll assume for now its cocaine, and this is a great first impression. It looks like her company has crumbled but there may be one last hope and one that has a great many angles to be explored. The idea of what we see here is intriguing and kind of scary considering that I feel it may be all that much more true that stuff like this actually happens.

      I have to say I really like the interiors here there is a lot of impressive attention to detail within these pages. The linework is manipulated so that the work can appear delicate or bold depending what it needs to be. The colours too are sensational I love seeing the screen on the phone and how that comes across to us. The rain at night with the work we see here is absolutely some of the most stunning stuff. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a great eye for storytelling. The way that backgrounds are utilised help to expand the story, show us a size and scope it to the story as well.

     I liked this for a myriad of reasons and among them is the soldiers that we see. Now I’m not sure if they have advancements or not but they bear watching in ways that you find intriguing. Then there’s the whole deal with Dr. Lin and what is going to develop there as well as the section I haven’t mentioned yet. This book has so much going for it and it’s interesting, well told by leaving the reader wondering and wanting more. The characterisation here is pretty limited and that works in their advantage as I want to get to know these people now.
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      Smart, interesting and full of great characters whom we want to know better this is a great start to a brand new series.

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Long Lost Part Two #4

11/27/2018

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Picture
Long Lost Part Two #4
Scout Comics 2018
Written by Matthew Erman
Illustrated by Lisa Sterle


      The Mountain that looms over Hazel Patch has changed, leading to a confrontation in the woods. Piper and Frances are reunited with no time to spare as they scramble to safety. Pursued by a horror beyond their imagination, will they finally get the answer to what happened to their mother? The puzzle pieces have fallen into place and the mysteries are revealed as Long Lost hurdles towards an ending.

      The narration in the opening and the visuals being at odds with one another make for one of the most spectacular moments in the series thus far. Since it’s already filled with those me saying this now is something. It is nice to see that both Matthew and Lisa continue to grow and become so much stronger in their craft. Goodness it’s only one page but definitely a wow moment.

      Now that Piper is back with Frances it’s time to get things moving and figure out a way to end all this madness and get back to their normal lives. Only Piper doesn’t realise that she’s been gone for three years while she was with their mother trying to get out. I wish this is something my Sister would read then perhaps she’d realise that siblings need each other. I have absolutely loved seeing their relationship start off rocky and become something so wonderfully beautiful. The characterisation and character development here has been even more than I could have hoped for and seeing this level of talent from Matthew is marvellous.

       The way this is structured is as close to brilliant as you can possibly be to it. The ebb and flow of the story as weaves around the characters is beyond delightful. I love how utterly delusional Joanna is and how she goes about all of this as she just kills wantonly and stealing power along the way. I mean to get that third all-seeing eye that was a fair bit of madness if you ask me. Oh then there’s Auntie who has decided to rebel against Joanna and get her girls back and become a family again. I don’t want to say A Day Late and a Dollar Short but it kind of fits especially when it comes to all supernatural brouhaha.

      I love Lisa’s work in the interiors here! The linework is fantastic and the attention to detail and even how it kind of morphs and twists at times is a joy to see. Also the changes in colour throughout the book is some inspired stuff and I really do love how it transitions through the moments that are highly charged or emotional. The creativity and imagination that we see is stellar stuff as these figures in robes or just looming about in the forest are seen keeps adding layer upon layer to the story visually. The utilisation of page layouts and now we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a great eye for storytelling. Backgrounds are utilised extremely well and enhance the story and give off that sense of dread as the girls make their way through the wood.
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     This really is one of the most unexpected and delightful stories to come along. Scout has this habit of finding new fresh and talented creators who have wonderful, unique and individual voices. This one will take you places you never knew you wanted to go and leave you needing to find a way back. When you want to get a tale you won’t soon be able to forget, it’s also coming to television, then you need to contact your shoppe or subscription service and make sure the trades come your way I promise you you won’t regret it.

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