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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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X-O Manowar #2

11/30/2020

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X-O Manowar #2
Valiant Entertainment 2020
Written by Dennis “Hapless” Callum
Illustrated by Emilio Laiso
Coloured by Rain Beredo
Lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

    A new threat emerges from the fires of X-O’s latest battle! Can X-O save the day, or does the world need a new kind of hero?

    One of the things that I really love about Aric is the fact that is a Visigoth and he’s spent so many countless years in space and on Earth having this unique opportunity to really learn about himself and his limitations.  Oh wait no not really because for all his intentions and striving to be a hero he second guesses himself at every turn as he sill processes to not understand what life is like in the modern world.  Well I know Dennis and I know his writing so I am going to be super patient and see where this goes because from what I can see the Valiant Universe seems to have itself a version of the Funky Flashman!  So I am beyond excited to see where this is going to go next.

    The way that this is being told is really rather amazing.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  I like how Aric is staying with this family and how the police constantly harass him and yet how he can go from completely in control to feeling like he’s messing everything up left and right.  The character development that we see really is extraordinary and to see the personalities of so many different folks and the night/day difference in Aric is just mindbogglingly good.  I love a good misdirection so when the camera panned and we met Troy Whitaker I was honestly expecting a woman.  The pacing here is superb and as it takes us through the pages and reveals the twists & turns along the way it creates this really nice balance between story and action.  

    Seeing how this is being structured and how the layers within the story keep growing it is really nice to see just how interconnected everything really is.  To see how everything works together and how it creates the story’s ebb & flow is sensational.  This is the Dennis I know and enjoy reading stories from and he’s here in full force for this.

    The interiors here really are gorgeous!  The linework is strong and confident and how we see the varying weights being utilised to create the detail work is amazing.  I will that considering he’s wearing a smoking jacket and is holding cosmo, I think he should’ve been wearing a bikini like they do in Europe or at least the box cut trunks.  I do wish we’d see more backgrounds being utilised here because I see a lot of wasted space that could enhance the moments.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a talented eye for storytelling.  The colour work we see is sensational.  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work shows a super eye for colour.  How we see the different techniques utilised to lay it down is really nice to see as well.
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    Aric wasn’t really on my radar until Valiant relaunched and width each outing I find him more and more fascinating as a man and a hero.  Doesn’t hurt that he looks like a big ole daddy either, though I could do without the ponytail lol.  I am looking forward to seeing where Dennis is going to take this story and this character during his time captaining the ship here.  This is why Valiant continues to thrive because of creators like these.  

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Butcher Queen: Dead Planet #2

11/30/2020

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Butcher Queen: Planet of the Dead #2
Red5 Comics 2020
Written by Jim Ousley
Illustrated & Lettered by Ben Sawyer

    PREVIOUSLY IN BUTCHER QUEEN
   A never-before-seen life-form that can leap from body to body has found its way to Syd
Kiowa’s home and potentially millions of new hosts. Mysterious forces are after the life form
and Syd doesn’t know who to trust .
    The full scope of Edvin Ivanoff's sinister plan is revealed, as Syd Kiowa and a mysterious inter-dimensional ally join forces with a clandestine agency to try and prevent Earth's complete destruction.

    Well now seeing where this issue picks up from the last issue is great.  The opening is even better as we get to see what Edvin Ivanoff is currently up to, at least one worlds version of him that is.  I do like that we see Dagger meeting up with Syd and how through the course of this issue he cements himself with a place in her team.  I think that speaks volumes about the young man and what he is capable of and it’s nice to see this kind of character development.  The series continues to impress me with how well thought out it is and how this is much different than the previous arc meaning that we’re in the midst of Syd’s transformation.

    I am a huge fan of the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information are presented extremely well.  As a matter of fact I really am digging how the story & plot development and the introduction of characters into new roles go hand in hand with the character development that we are seeing here.  How they interact with one another and how we see them act and react to the situations and circumstances they encounter really help to flesh them out more fully and it’s such a delight to see.  The pacing here is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists & turns along the way it creates such a nice dynamic in the book.

    The pacing helps with how we see the book being structured and how the layers within the story continue to play out.  How everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow is extremely well done.  How seamlessly Syd accepts the new folks in her life and how to utilise their gifts, which is basically them doing it and she sees their potential.

    The interiors here are interesting and I do wish they were more polished but this is Ben’s style of work.  The linework is confident and the characters, well Syd looks like a man a lot so body image aside that needs a little work and some better consistency.  That being said there is some absolute great moments as well and the moment we see Zhang Kar and Rags those characters look amazing.  Also that two-page spread is bonkers and I wish that the whole book looked like this!  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a solid eye for storytelling.  The colour work is utterly gorgeous and how we see the various hues and tones within the colours utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is exceptionally well rendered.  
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    I am thoroughly enjoying this book and it is definitely proof positive how a story driven book can be incredible to experience.  Following Syd’s life as she transitions from outlaw to the law again with all the baggage that contains is an interesting roller coaster of a ride for sure.  I also really like the overlying theme where different versions of Edvin being out there and having to figure out which one is where.  While trying to figure out how the red mass is transmitted from host to host.  It is going to take everything Syd and her team have to offer to get through this intact.

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Sun-Eater #2

11/29/2020

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Sun-Eater #2
Heavy Metal Comics 2020
Created by Dylan Sprouse
Written by Dylan Sprouse & Joe Harris
Illustrated by Diego Yapur
Coloured by D.C. Alonso
Lettered by Saida Temofonte

    Ninth century Norway is a land of bloody and civil strife, fanatical religious upheaval, and exploration. At its center is the warrior Kveldulf Bjalfisson, a drug addict and father willing to become a monster in order to save his son from his sworn enemy - King Harald Fairhair. 

    I read so many books in a week, every week of the year, so when I find something of this calibre of talent, skill and verve you just have to sit back and admire it.  Not for too long though because the story is amazing and the interiors are bloody brilliant in how we see them.  For many stories of the Vikings are what they know of through television and film, Dylan’s lucky to have these stories passed down through the generations and through that we in return are treated to them as told by a natives point of view.  As a fan of Norse Mythology I am familiar with many tales but I have never experienced one quite like this and to be honest I feel like I’ve been missing out completely.

    I really truly am a huge fan of the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is laid out exceptionally well.  With how we see this being structured and how the various layers within the story continue to play out there is this amazing sense of storytelling that occurs.  The character development is fabulous!  We see the characters fleshed out further through their dialogue and how they act and react to the situations and circumstances they encounter.  Also this Tracker Bard and how his or hers or its face mask can be so expressive when needed is utterly amazing.  The pacing here is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists & turns along the way it is easy to see how everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow.

    The way that this reads and how it takes you through the pages is almost as much of a treat as the way the story itself unfolds.  Not an easy to feat to accomplish either but I’ll be dammed if this isn’t the perfect example of how it can be done.

    I am blown away by the level of quality work we see in the interiors.  The linework that we see through the varying techniques and weights to create the detail work that we see is mindbogglingly good.  One request I wanna see more of Kveldulf in the buff i mean he’s got some low hangers there since they travel further than his surprisingly cut member.  The way that we see backgrounds being utilised throughout and the amount of work that goes into them really bring these moments alive.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a masterful eye for storytelling.  The colour work here is absolutely gorgeous!  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is truly exceptional.  Some of the colour choices are truly inspired and to see the various techniques utilised to lay down the colour is beautifully rendered.
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    This is a bloody exquisite book from top to bottom.  How we see the story being told and how it is able to engage the readers’ mind and imagination throughout the books is sensational.  With way too many wow and WTF moments to name this has a little something for everyone but most importantly it’s an opportunity to hear the story of those who helped shape Norway.

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Dune: House Atreides #2

11/29/2020

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Dune House Atreides #2
BOOM! Studios 2020
Written by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson
Illustrated by Dev Pramanik
Coloured by Alex Guimarāes
Lettered by Ed Dukeshire

    The acclaimed prequel to the groundbreaking Dune continues in comic book form for the first time. Pardot Kynes arrives on Arrakis to begin research into terraforming the desert planet, but the merciless Baron Harkonnen has plans of his own. Meanwhile, the sadistic Harkonnens brutally test a young slave named Duncan Idaho. And Leto Atreides meets with the pioneers of space travel technology -- taking the first steps towards his incredible destiny.

    I am very much enjoying this story and the further we get into it the more intrigued I find myself becoming.  With the Imperial Planetologist, the Mother Superiors and the Altriedes house having their worn subplots weaving through the story there is a lot going on.  With a lot going on it can sometimes feel crowded or overcrowded but the guys here deliver the perfect blend of information for each one to keep our minds engaged as we think about what it is we’re seeing and how this is going to affect things moving forward.  There is some really find craftsmanship here when it comes to the writing so that it makes this a true pleasure to read.

    I like the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence over events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is laid out for us with such finesse.  The character development remains super strong and the dialogue plus how the characters act and react to the situations and circumstances they encounter really do flesh them out so much more fully.  The pacing here is superb and as it takes through the pages revealing more of the layers within the story we see just how well this is being structured.  How all the smaller threads all seem to be pointing in a certain direction is phenomenal and I cannot wait to see how and when they cross paths.  How everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow is superb to see.  Overall this is that blend between a prose novel and a graphic novel.

    I love the interiors here.  The linework that we see is fantastic it give us this strength or delicacy when needed and how the varying weights are being utilised to create the detail work we see is stunning.  The way we see the expressions on their faces really give us an extra level of characterisation.  The creativity and imagination on display here is sensational and whether that’s taking existing creatures like the Worms or ships and their designs what we see adds that air of wonder to the story.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a remarkably talented eye for storytelling.  The colour work too is gorgeous!  I mean the fact that the desert is so beige by nature and yet we see so many different colours in it is spectacular.  How we see the hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is just beautifully rendered.
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    I am really enjoying the way that this is being told and how we see it all unfold.  The characters are introduced but their true purpose has yet to be revealed.  With so many moving parts in play that this reads smooth as a Macallan Single Malt and ya know it leaves you with the same kind of warmth feeling.  I still believe that if I had read this first I might have had a much better experience trying to read the book and watch the movie they made.  This creative team is utterly amazing and they’ve managed to create a story that is engaging, interesting and makes this world come to life beautifully.

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Kaiju Score #1

11/28/2020

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Kaiju Score #1
Aftershock Comics 2020
Written by James Patrick
Illustrated by Rem Broo
Lettered by Dave Sharpe

    It's the most dangerous heist ever attempted. Four desperate criminals are going all in on a once-in-a-lifetime chance to steal millions in art and turn their miserable lives around. The catch? They have to pull it off under the nose of a one thousand-ton Kaiju. And a giant monster might just be the least of their problems.

    Well i surely didn’t know what to expect from this but hey it’s Aftershock and has a killer creative team so of course I was going to give it a go.  Boy am I glad I did to because this was so completely different than I was expecting to see and i’ll be dammed if it isn’t something that you can really sink your teeth into.  I am super mondo impressed with this book and if this is what we have to look forward to then I am all in here.  This is one of the more inventive uses within the genre that I have seen and it’s nice to know that there is so much more originality to come.  

    I am a fan of the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented beautifully.  The opening page is interesting and it makes you raise your eyebrow and wonder what this all means which in return makes yu want to see and know more of what is going on here.  The character development that we see is strong and immediate and this is to set up the kinds of people that we’re dealing with.  These aren’t nice folks, not by a long shot but they are what’s available and desperate enough to do this.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the cast of characters and what exactly they are going to be doing we are treated to is a pure unexpected delight.

    I like how we see this book being structured and how the layers within the story start to emerge so that they will wind their way throughout the series.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow is exceptional.  That we see this happening as we do and the anticipation of what’s to come that it builds is really nice to see.  

    I like the interiors here.  The style isn’t one I am familiar with and this also excites me.  The linework is great and how we see the varying weights being utilised to create the detail work is rather beautifully rendered.  I am also a fan of the way that we see backgrounds being utilised throughout as they enhance the moments and bring depth perception, a sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the story.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a remarkable eye for storytelling.  The colour work we see is really spectacular to see.  How we see the hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is rendered beautifully.
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    Aftershock really is home to some of the most innovative, fresh and top tier talent doing what they do best, tell amazing stories.  The fact that I can pick up this book and be completely surprised by what I read just goes to show how dang good the art of misdirection can be.  What parts you may ask, well that’s not something I am going to tell because everything in this is nothing like you expect it to be and yet so much more so find out for yourself what has me so excitedly shook!

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Cat Shit One Vol.2 #1

11/27/2020

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Cat Shit One vol.2 #1
Antarctic Press 2020
By Motofumi Kobayashi
Translated by Jacob Yomtobian
Lettered by Doug Dlin

    The ever-changing, always dangerous assignments of Sergeants Perky, Rats and Botasky, a.k.a. the special forces unit Cat Shit One, continue, this time with the trio out to destroy a bridge on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.  The combatants may look fuzzy, but their stories are all too gritty!

    If you look at M.A.S.H. and think of the complete opposite you’d have this.  In turning the people into animals representing different countries is a way to get people more involved in the story and it’s a darn good ploy.  Children and young adults today have very limited attention spans and anything that feels like learning is something they tend to shy away from.  So this is one that should easily slip into their hands and get them reading and as a byproduct learn a few things as well.  Adults too for that matter and ya know something I think everybody should be reading this because the work is simply wonderfully incredible.

    I am a huge fan of the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  I love how we are taken through the story and how the characters are introduced, some new some old, and what the purpose of what we see is.  So yeah I am completely enamoured by the introduction of Nakamura and I don’t know why.  The character development that we see is phenomenal and those from different regions and the language being used is completely racially motivated but as a reader you understand when and where this was so it isn’t offensive per se.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the story and then at the end, after the Australian SAS, the terminology and explanations give are completely unexpected.

    The way that this book is structured and how the layers within the story come to life and follow along the same paths is exceeding any and all expectations.  How we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow is spectacular to say the least.  This is in my humble opinion one of the absolute best books being made right now.  

    The interiors here are mindbogglingly good as the work we see really is truly bloody brilliant!  The strength of the linework and how the varying weights and techniques are being utilised to create this kind of level of quality detail work is like a dream come true.  The utilisation of the backgrounds being so essential to the story is brilliantly done as well.  Aside from being utilised as a character in it’s own right they provide depth perception, sense of scale and an overall sense of size and scope to the book.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows a masterfully brilliant eye for storytelling.  Now we do for the first time see actual humans in the Australian SAS story and ya know what wow, just WOW!  

    So the Battle of Sgt. Van Droffelaar which is basically illustrated prose and i cannot stress enough just how gosh darn amazing this is.  It is completely unexpected and it just fuels the readers’ imagination as it engages them in an experience that seems to utterly intense.
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    This is why I love the medium and how it is able to be both educational and entertaining at the same time.  How someone can leave an imprint upon another so profoundly boggles the mind.  I love it and this is something I am never going to forget because of how incredibly talented Motofumi is but how he’s able to make me feel because of his gifts.

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Machine Girl & The Space Invaders #1

11/27/2020

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Machine Girl & The Space Invaders #1
Stonebot Comic/Red5 Comics 2020
Written by Matts
Illustrated by Sergio Monjes
Coloured by Ramon Bunge
Colour Flats by Ludwig Olimba
Lettered by Yasmin Gavani

    Machine Girl is back... in the ring! Not only Megan is (again) proving herself as the best fighter in the Galaxy, but she's now part of a group of Space Pirates! And their latest adventure will lead them to an unexpected treasure, which will set a new course for the team headlong to a race of Space Invaders!.

    I am so happy that this is back for another arc!  Megan is such a great character and her journey is just beginning so it is nice to see that this will be told in arcs moving forward.  I think it is the easiest way to tell these kinds of stories.  I rather like the way that this one opens up and it gets even better as we see what she’s there for.  I like that she has the aggression part of the Cyborgens even if she was raised to suppress it, though her fighting in a ring is something she’s done to alleviate that effectively.  Still to see what is happening outside the ship that’s just as much fun and in both locations I might add.

    I am enjoying the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented extremely well.  Now the character development that we see is utterly fabulous!  From the dialogue and the banter that we see worlds exceptionally well in fleshing them out further as people.  It is such a delight to see these folks interact and behave like family to such an extent that they do and it’s because of the way that Matts is writing this.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the story that lies ahead we’re treated to some fantastic surprises along the way.

    I like how we see this being structured and how the layers within are being brought about.  How we see everything here working together to create the story’s ebb & flow is extremely well done.  How the story flows and how it switches from action to pure story is really nicely done as we see the transitions run smoothly.

    I am a fan of the interiors here and what an opening page this is too it is so incredibly beautiful and ominous at the same time and that sets the stage for what’s to come.  The linework is great and how we see the varying weights being utilised to bring out the detail work is really rather well done.  Though really a Leia bikini on top of her outfit I dunno I think it’s a bit much.  I feel like we’re missing backgrounds but with the way the panels are filled the feeling is there with nothing to back it up.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a remarkable eye for storytelling.  The colour work that we see is utterly gorgeous.  I love how we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work.  The choices of colour we see and how it adds to the creativity and imagination when it comes to the different species is spectacular.
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    With so many books on stands today and the science fiction genre so full of them when you find those that stand apart from the crowd then you really need to snatch those up.  This my friends is one such book, it’s delightful, witty and full of everything we could possibly want to see in an outer space science fiction story with one of the best nostalgia moments period.

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Stone Star Season 2 #1

11/27/2020

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Stone Star Season 2 #1
ComiXology Originals 2020
Written by Jim Zub
Illustrated by Max Dunbar
Coloured by Espen Grundetjern
Lettered by Marshall Dillon

    The nomadic space station called Stone Star brings gladiatorial entertainment to ports across the galaxy. Inside this gargantuan vessel of tournaments and temptations, foragers and fighters struggle to survive. A young warrior named Dail has been drawn into the ring and is trying to prove himself in the Grand Arena, but there are forces on the station determined to see him destroyed as revenge for his father's fighting legacy.

    Well I am sorry to say that this is my introduction to the series, I missed season one which makes me sad, however that being said you can pick this up and enjoy it without worrying about not being able to follow along.  The opening here is great and I like seeing that the, i’m going with indigineous species, remains that house cities is sensational.  It really captures the imagination and make the reader want to see what else is happening within these pages.  I will wholeheartedly admit that anytime I know Jim and Max are working together I want to be there to experience what they create.  I have yet to be disappointed by what either of them does let alone together.

    I love the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is beautifully presented.  How we are introduced to the characters and the world they live in is perfect for new readers and a nice reminder for established fans.  While on the surface it may appear to be more of a younger audience read don’t be fooled because what we see is anything but all-ages.  The character development we see is amazing and it really allows us to get to know these folks.  The way they act and react to the situations and circumstances as well as how they interact with each other, see dialogue, we have this opportunity to connect with them.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the world, the story arc itself and so much.

    I am a fan of how we see this being structured and how the layers within the story are taking shape.  That we see everything working together to create the story’s ebb & flow as we do is sensational.  The writing is so well done and it reminds me why I’m such a Jim Zub fan.

    The interiors here are fantastic!  The linework we see is beautifully laid down and how the varying weights and techniques are being utilised to create the detail work is stunning.  The creativity and imagination on display is utterly fabulous and it is able to come to life thanks to Max and Espen.  That we see backgrounds as we do makes me one happy camper as they not only enhance the moments but bring us depth perception, sense of scale and the overall sense of size and scope to the book.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a masterful eye for storytelling.  The colour work is phenomenal.  How we see the various hues and tones within the colours  being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is extraordinary stuff.  I love seeing the choices in colour so that these various species are unique and different.
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    There are aspects of this that remind me of Star Wars and of Dungeons & Dragons, though if you’ve ever rpg’d Star Wars it could simply be that.  Regardless what I am saying is that there is a familiarity and comfort in the way we perceive the series.  This is so charming and so well told that you can get lost in this world and left wishing you could explore the city itself.  ComiXology Originals is home to some absolutely amazing stories so perhaps you should consider reading both digitally and physically.

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I Walk With Monsters #1

11/26/2020

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I Walk With Monsters #1
Vault Comics/Nightfall 2020
Written by Paul Cornell
Illustrated by Sally Cantrino
Coloured by Dearbhla Kell
Lettered by AndWorld Design

    In Jacey’s past is the Important Man who took away her brother. Now Jacey has David, who sometimes transforms into a terrifying beast. Together, they’ve found a way to live--and to hunt, sniffing out men who prey on the vulnerable. But Jacey and David are about to run into the Important Man again.

    I found this to be incredibly interesting and it fits into Paul’s style of storytelling with a cerebral edge very very nicely.  What an introduction to a series too as the opening doesn’t waste any time by throwing the reader into the deep end.  We’re mid story arc when this starts and it actuals starts at the perfect moment to showcase exactly what this is going to be about.  This is Paul at his finest folks and it is some incredible storytelling.  It is also pretty easy to get pulled into the story as well once it gets moving and it has a very smooth way of taking you through it’s pages.

    I am loving the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exceptionally well.  The dialogue here is fantastic as the two banter back and forth which tells us both a lot about them as well as brings us a good deal of storytelling.  The character development may come across as solid but there is a lot of pain and anger int h3e characters that still needs to be explored.  The pacing is excellent and as it takes us through the pages revealing the world, the characters and what we can expect to continue seeing it sets up this kind of chilling and thought provoking reality.

    I think the way that this is being structured and how we see the layering within the story coming to life is extraordinary to see.  Even if those layers are within the characters own story lines regarding their pasts.  How everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow is rather remarkable.  The way this is written and how it pushes the envelope with monsters who are real and those who are supposed to be myth is stunning.

    I am really rather impressed with the interiors here as well.  The linework we see is great and it’s strength through the varying weights as techniques with how it spotlights not only the detail work but the mood, tone and ambiance is phenomenal.  I will admit to being a little sad when we saw David but not fully in his bare human form because I wanted to see him in all his glory.  There is some interesting and judicious utilisation of backgrounds going on here that I actually like.  They bring a sense of consistency to the moments and a nice sense of size and scope to the book.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective int he panels show a remarkable eye for storytelling.  The colour work is incredible.  How we see the hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work is rendered extremely well.  The creativity and imagination that we see is beautifully shown and the overall effect of what we see and learn is stellar stuff.
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    I love the message we see here as well with the monsters aren’t always under the bed but some are made of flesh and blood and blend in to society without anyone being the wiser.  It can be a scary thing for a kid to realise and even worse when it consumes you.  Strong and powerful and entertaining like you wouldn’t believe.

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Power Pack #1

11/26/2020

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Power Pack #1
Marvel Comics 2020
Written by Ryan North
Illustrated by Nico Leon
Coloured by Rachelle Rosenberg
Lettered by VC’s Travis Lanham

    Power Pack is back! Katie, Julie, Jack and Alex Power have been super-heroing since they were learning to tie their own shoes. It?s been ages since they fought side by side as a family, but a special occasion ? and an old grudge ? is about to put the gang back together. There?s just one teeny tiny hiccup: a brand?new law restricting underage super heroes! But surely, if the fate of all New York City is at stake, the powers that be will make an exception? Keep your fingers crossed as the Power siblings fight for their right to save the world!

    Alright I love Power Pack and I have science their debut in comics.  So I was so happy to see this limited (grr) series and to see that the kids have aged kind of properly.  I really thought that their parents knew they were Power Pack there was a whole thing about it, so I have to wonder when that was retconned out.  Anyway I like that they are all together and I was disappointed when the Future Foundation story ended but hey they all with their folks in the NYC apartment.  All the continuity aside, because let’s face it its ever changing, this is absolutely delightful.

    I am thoroughly enjoying the way that this is being told.  The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is beautifully executed.  The opening was utterly cute and really showcases Katie’s personality, though I was afraid for a moment it was all going to look like that.  The personalities of the kids represents them as they are now and how we’ve seen throughout the MCU and I really appreciate that.  The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the story and how it fits into current continuity.

    The way we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue from previous incarnations it feels like they’ve never been gone.  How everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow is exceptionally well rendered and really it carries us through to the last page leaving me wanting more, that it was over way too soon.  Very nice to see how well this is being written.

    The interiors here are really nicely rendered.  I would like to see more detail in their faces as the dinner scene really could have benefitted from that.  The eyes and button noses without much structure makes them look younger.  Once we get into the powers and the fight it looks so much better with the intense expressions.  I would have liked to see backgrounds being utilised more effectively and more often, we see action scenes with wild colours being utilised to signify movement but a blurred building in the background does that and shows off skill.  The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show a strong eye for storytelling.  The colour work is beautifully done as well.  I love seeing the different techniques utilised for laying the colour down as well as how we see the various hues and tones within the colours utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work.  I may be critical over what we see but in the end what matter is this, it really is utterly delightful work that’s happening here and that last page alone is a wow moment.
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    The nostalgia factor here is fantastic and that the kids are all together after an extended absence is really nice to see.  I wouldn’t mind if the kids made a comeback and they really ahead of their time tackling such grown up issues and now with Julie’s life and girlfriend and Jack’s growing into this cocky young man there’s still plenty of topical stories that we could see.  These kids have been around longer than any teenage group around these days, Champions i.e. so it would be on fitting to see them make a huge impact upon their return.

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